A Cascade Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Furanized Triarylmethanes via Gold Self-Relay Catalysis

Qian Rao,¹ Yan Zhang,¹ Xin-Yu Gu,¹ Yin-Ping Liu, Bo Jiang,* Wen-Juan Hao*

A new gold self-relay catalysis enabling intramolecular annulation and intermolecular Michael addition of 3-yne-1,2-diols with aurone-derived azadienes (or para-quinone methides) is reported, efficiently furnishing a range of unsymmetrical furanized triarylmethanes with substituent diversity in good yields. The overall process was governed by the π- and σ-Lewis acid capability of gold complexes, providing a catalytic strategy for constructing triarylmethane skeletons.

Catalysts 2023, 13, 1051  (Invited for  Special Issue Catalytic Annulation Reactions)