Cyclization reaction for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthalenes in the presence of Au(I) precatalysts.

Au(I)-catalyzed cyclization of alkenyl carbonyl compounds leading to a variety of substituted naphthalenes has been developed. This process exploits a dual function of the Au(I) catalyst: (1) the oxophilic nature of the Au(I) catalyst, counterintuitive to the π-acidic reactivities generally associated with Au catalysts, and (2) olefin isomerization supported by the outcome of isotope scrambling experiments. It cannot be completely excluded that TfOH is a true operative catalyst in this protocol. In view of the practicality, the unnecessity of isomerically pure starting material in this reaction is particularly attractive and valuable.