Gold-catalyzed cyclo-isomerization of 1,6-diyne-4-en-3-ols to form naphthyl ketone derivatives

We report a new efficient gold-catalyzed cyclization of 1,6-diyne-4-en-3-ols to give naphthyl ketone derivatives under ambient conditions. The value of this cyclization is reflected by its applicability to a wide range of alcohol substrates.