Gold-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of ynamides with 3-indolyl azides via an unexpected 1,2-alkyl migration

A gold-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of ynamides with 3-indolyl azides via the presumable a-imino gold carbenes has been developed, providing an alternative and efficient way for the synthesis of valuable 3-amino-b-carbolines in generally good to excellent yields. Importantly, this new protocol involves an unexpected 1,2-alkyl migration pathway. (C) 2017 Science China Press. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science China Press. All rights reserved.