Homogeneous gold-catalyzed efficient oxidative dimerization of propargylic acetates

A highly efficient gold-catalyzed oxidative dimerization of propargylic acetates is developed. In this chemistry, Selectfluor oxidation of Au(I) to Au(III) is readily incorporated into Au-catalyzed tandem reactions of propargylic acetates, and transmetallation and reductive elimination on Au(III) intermediates are likely involved. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.