Synergistic Gold and Iron Dual Catalysis: Preferred Radical Addition toward Vinyl-Gold Intermediate over Alkene

A dual catalytic approach enlisting gold and iron, synergy is described. This method offers readily access to substituted heterocycle aldehydes via oxygen radical addition to vinyl-gold intermediates under Fe catalyst assistance. This system shows good functional group compatibility for the generation of substituted oxazole, indole, and benzofuran aldehydes. Mechanistic evidence greatly supports selective radical addition to an: activated vinyl-Au double bond over alkene. This unique discovery offers a new avenue with great potential to further extend the synthetic power and versatility of gold catalysis.