Rapid construction of complex tetracyclic frameworks via a gold(i)-catalyzed tandem 1,2-acyloxy migration/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/Friedel–Crafts type cyclization reaction of linear enynyl esters

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of complex tetracyclic compounds is developed which relies on a gold(I)-catalyzed tandem 1,2-acyloxy migration/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/Friedel–Crafts type cyclization reaction of linear enynyl esters. The reaction proceeds under extremely mild conditions in good to excellent yields (54%–88%) with a dr value of up to 20 : 1.