Hydrophenoxylation of alkynes by cooperative gold catalysis

Abstract

Double impact: The title method gives aryl vinyl ethers in high yields, short reaction times, Z-stereospecificity, and good regioselectivities. Insights into the reaction mechanism highlight the role of [{Au(NHC)} 2(μ-OH)][BF4] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) as both a Lewis acid, [Au(NHC)][BF4], and a Brønsted base, [Au(NHC)(OH)], thereby generating a synergistic effect between the two gold moieties. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.