Gold catalysis: five new bonds by a domino hydroarylation/cycloisomerization

The gold-catalyzed reaction of furans possessing one unsubstituted 2-position with ethynyl vinyl ketones bearing alkyl groups on the alkene led to interesting phenols of the indan-1-one-type by a domino hydroarylation/cycloisomerization. The yields were moderate but higher than in longer routes described before. With ethynyl vinyl ketones that have an aryl substituent, the chemoselectivity of the reaction was different. Then products from an initial reaction at the ethynyl group were observed. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.