Cationic Au(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of aromatic enynes for the synthesis of substituted naphthalenes

A cationic Au(I) complex catalyzed the cycloisomerization of aromatic enynes that possess a substituent on their alkyne terminus. Cyclization of the 6-endo-dig type proceeded dominantly to give 1,3-di- and 1,2,3-tri substituted naphthalenes.