Gold(I)-Catalysis for the Synthesis of Terpenoids: From Intramolecular Cascades to Intermolecular Cycloadditions

Gold(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of 1,n-enynes proceed through electrophilic intermediates that can be trapped intra- or intermolecularly by a variety of hetero- and carbon nucleophiles to form complex skeletons in a single step. This review covers the efforts of our group towards the development of new reactions that have been successfully applied in the total synthesis of several natural terpenoids and related carbocyclic structures, as well as for the ready access to challenging linear acenes.