Gold(I)-catalyzed enantioselective [3+2] and [3+3] cycloaddition reactions of propargyl acetals/ketals

An asymmetric gold(I)-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of propargyl acetals/ketals and aldehydes is reported, which proceeds via stepwise migration-fragmentation of acetals/ketals and cycloaddition of the in situ generated gold-carbenoid intermediate. Various functionalized 2,5-dihydrofurans were obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities. Furthermore, an example of the first gold(I) catalyzed [3+3] cycloaddition of secondary propargyl ketals and nitrones is presented.

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