Gold-catalyzed [4+3] and [4+4]-annulation reactions of t-butyl propiolate derivatives with epoxides and oxetanes for the construction of 1,4-dioxepane and 1,5-dioxocane cores.

Gold-catalyzed [4+n]-annulations (n = 3, 4) of tert-butyl propiolate derivatives with epoxides or oxetanes proceed smoothly to yield seven- or eight-membered oxacyclic products efficiently. In the context of the [4+3]-annulations, product analysis reveals a retention of stereochemistry upon the intramolecular SN2 attack of an epoxide. We also report the [4+5]-annulation between one tert-butyl propiolate and γ-lactol, to manifest the utility toward medium-sized rings.