Regioselective synthesis of oxepinones and azepinones by gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of functionalyzed cyclopropyl alkynes

Abstract

A regioselective synthesis of oxepinones and azepinones in good to excellent yields from alkynylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid derivatives is described. This novel cycloisomerization cascade process consists of a nucleophilic addition followed by a cyclopropane ring-opening, where both donor and acceptor groups are required as substituents of the cyclopropane ring.