Gold-catalyzed efficient formation of α,β-unsaturated ketones from propargylic acetates

An efficient gold-catalyzed method for the preparation of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones from propargylic acetates has been developed. Under mild reaction conditions, beta-monosubstituted enones were formed mostly with excellent E-selectivity. beta,beta-disubstituted enones can be prepared from propargylic acetates derived from ketones. The high efficiency and mild nature of this reaction render it a viable alternative for the synthesis of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.