Gold-catalyzed transannular [4+3] cycloaddition reactions.

Macrocyclic propargyl acetates containing a furan ring were prepared by using a CrCl(2)-promoted reaction. In the presence of either a Au(I) or Au(III) catalyst, a tandem 3,3-rearrangement/transannular [4+3] cycloaddition reaction occurred to give propargyl acetates that are regio- and diastereospecific. The regiochemistry of the product is controlled by the position of the acetoxy group in the starting material and the stereochemistry of the reaction depends on the ring size.