AuI-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization of 2-Alkenylphenyl Carbonyl Compounds: Exploring the Oxophilic Lewis Acidity of AuI Species

A Au-I-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction of 2-alkenylphenyl carbonyl compounds to afford a variety of indene, indenol, and indanone ring systems was developed. In this process, Au-I serves to activate the carbonyl group of beta-keto esters, aldehydes, and ketones, preferentially exhibiting oxophilicity in the presence of C-C multiple bonds. Furthermore, beta-keto esters could participate as the electrophilic partner in reactions with carbon nucleophile such as alkenes.