Gold self-relay catalysis enabling annulative oxygenation of propargylic alcohols with O-nucleophiles

Meng-Ying Hao1, Yin Zhang1, Na Lin, Rong Fu, Xiao-Shuang Ji, Bo Jiang,* Shu-Jiang Tu,* Wen-Juan Hao*

A new gold(I) self-relay catalysis enabling the annulative oxygenation of propargylic alcohols with various O-nucleophiles, such as carboxylic acids, alcohols and TBHP, is reported, producing a series of functionalized benzofurans in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. This protocol is benefited by the π- and σ-Lewis acid capability of gold complexes, demonstrating high molecular convergence, broad substrate flexibility, high functional group compatibility and mild conditions.

Chem. Commun. 2023, 59, 4032-4035; DOI: 10.1039/D3CC00089C