Gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,5-allenynes via dual activation of an ene reaction.

Tris(triphenylphosphinegold) oxonium tetrafluoroborate, [(Ph3PAu)3O]BF4, catalyzes the rearrangement of 1,5-allenynes to produce cross-conjugated trienes. Experimental and computational evidence shows that the ene reaction proceeds through a unique nucleophilic addition of an allene double bond to a cationic phosphinegold(I)-complexed phosphinegold(I) acetylide, followed by a 1,5-hydrogen shift.