Au-containing all-carbon 1,4-dipoles: Generation and [4+2] annulation in the formation of carbo-/heterocycles

A novel concept of Au-containing all-carbon 1,n-dipoles is advanced. From 1-(1-alkynyl) cyclopropyl ketones, Au-containing all-carbon 1,4-dipoles are presumably generated in situ and can efficiently participate in [4 + 2] annulation with dipolarophiles including indoles, various carbonyl compounds, imines, and silyl enol ethers. Polycyclic, fully substituted furans are readily synthesized under mild reaction conditions.