A cationic gold(I) complex as a general catalyst for the intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes: application to the one-pot synthesis of allenes from two alkynes and a sacrificial amine.

Two very distinct chemical reactions, yet a single catalyst: A gold complex promotes the formation of tertiary enamines from a variety of terminal and internal alkynes. Subsequent addition of a terminal alkyne to the reaction mixture affords allenes (see scheme).