Gold-Catalyzed Carboalkoxylation of Alkynes

Recently reported cationic phosphine-gold(I) complexes have shown catalytic activity towards alkynes. This paper shows activation of alkynes catalyzed by gold(I) complexes ending with the trapping of the vinylgold intermediate with a carbon electrophile. The authors determined the mechanism of the reaction as well as demonstrated chirality transfer. The resulting products are highly useful intermediates in the synthesis of more complex compounds.