Synthesis of Arylnaphthalene Lignan Scaffold by Gold-Catalyzed Intramolecular Sequential Electrophilic Addition and Benzannulation

An intramolecular approach to generate compounds containing an arylnaphthalene lignan scaffold in high yields is presented. It involves a sequential intramolecular electrophilic attack of carbonyl on arylalkyne followed by benzannulation catalyzed by gold salt. AuCl3 in combination with AgSbF6 works better to effect this transformation. Selected products have been converted into arylnaphthalene lactone natural products such as justicidin E, taiwanin C, and retrojusticidin B.