Steric, Electronic and Conformational Synergistic Effects in the Gold(I)‐catalyzed α‐C−H Bond Functionalization of Tertiary Amines**

Abstract Direct C−H bond functionalization is a useful strategy for the straightforward formation of C−C and C−Heteroatom bonds. In the present work, a unique approach for the challenging electrophilic Au‐catalyzed α ‐ C−H bond functionalization of tertiary amines is presented. Electronic, steric and conformational synergistic effects exerted by the use of a malonate unit in the substrate were key to the success of this transformation. This new reactivity was applied to the synthesis of tetrahydro‐γ‐carboline products which, under oxidative conditions, could be converted into valuable structural motifs found in bioactive alkaloid natural products.