Gold-catalysed cyclisation of N-propargylic β-enaminones to form 3-methylene-1-pyrroline derivatives

A gold(I) catalysed reaction between N-propargylic beta-enaminones and arynes was developed to access 3-methylene-1-pyrrolines. The title compounds were obtained in 57-78% yields. This reaction is useful for the generation of substituted 1-pyrrolines exhibiting significant molecular complexity.