Gold versus silver catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation reactions of [(3-arylprop-2-ynyl)oxy]benzene derivatives.

The scope and the generality of gold versus silver catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation reactions of 3-[(3-arylprop-2-ynyl)oxy]benzene derivatives in terms of rings substitution were investigated. Only products deriving from 6-endo cyclization were exclusively formed. The features of substituents had a considerable effect on the reaction outcome in the presence of silver catalysis, whereas gold catalysis revealed a unique blend of reactivity and selectivity and represented the only choice for the intramolecular hydroarylation reaction of the starting substrates bearing electron deficient arenes.