Gold-Catalyzed Dearomatization of 2-Naphthols with Alkynes.

The site-selective dearomatization of naphthols is realized in a straightforward manner through a gold(I)-catalyzed [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/allene functionalization cascade sequence. The method employs readily available naphthylpropargyl ethers as starting materials. A range of densely functionalized dihydrofurylnaphthalen-2(1H)-ones are obtained in high yields (up to 98 %) and extremely mild reaction conditions (reagent grade solvent, air, 10 minute reaction time). A complete theoretical elucidation of the reaction machinery is also proposed, providing a rationale for important issues such as regio- and chemoselectivity.

Visible-Light-Driven Synthesis of 1,3,4-Trisubstituted Pyrroles from Aryl Azides.

The synthesis of 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrroles via visible-light mediated photoredox catalyzed condensation of arylazides and aldehydes has been reported herein. The methodology avoids the use of stoichiometric oxidants and provides the corresponding N-containing arenes in good yields (up to 78%) and mild conditions. Mechanistic rationale is provided via a dedicated and combined spectroscopic/experimental investigations.

Scandium catalysed stereoselective thio-allylation of allenyl-imidates.

The site-selective thio-allylation of electron-deficient 1,2-dienes is documented under scandium catalysis. The methodology enables the realization of α-ß unsaturated, ß-thio, γ-allyl carboxylic acid derivatives via a one-pot Lewis acid promoted Michael addition/[3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement sequence (20 examples) in high yields (up to 95%). Full rationalization of the reaction mechanism and stereochemical outcome is provided via DFT simulations.