Gold-Catalyzed [4 + 1]-Annulation Reactions between 1,4-Diyn-3-ols and Isoxazoles To Construct a Pyrrole Core

Abstract

This work reports gold-catalyzed [4 + 1]-annulation reactions between 1,4-diyn-3-ols and isoxazoles or benzisoxazoles to yield pyrrole derivatives. The reaction chemoselectivity is controlled by an initial attack of an isoxazole at a less hindered alkyne to form gold carbenes, further inducing a 1,2-migration of a second alkyne group. A broad substrate scope of 1,4-diyn-3-ols, isoxazoles and even benzisoxazoles highlighted the reaction utility.