Convergent and rapid assembly of substituted 2-pyridones through formation of N-alkenyl alkynylamides followed by gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization

A new method for the convergent and rapid assembly of substituted 2-pyridones was developed through the formation of N-alkenyl alkynylamides (amide-linked 1,5-enynes) by N-acylation of imines with alkynoyl chlorides and the subsequent cationic Au(I)/PPh3-catalyzed cycloisomerization.