Gold catalysis: on the phenol synthesis.

Abstract

[reaction--see text] For the gold-catalyzed phenol synthesis an intramolecular migration of the oxygen atom was proven. Several other late transition metals with d(8) configuration allow this conversion, providing evidence for Au(III) being a catalytically active species. On the other hand gold was still the most active catalyst and gives the cleanest conversion. With additional alkynyl substituents another ring could be closed to provide doubly annellated arenes.