Mechanistic analysis of gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular allene hydroalkoxylation reveals an off-cycle bis(gold) vinyl species and reversible C-O bond formation.

ABSTRACT

Mechanistic investigation of gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular allene hydroalkoxylation established a mechanism involving rapid and reversible C-O bond formation followed by turnover-limiting protodeauration from a mono(gold) vinyl complex. This on-cycle pathway competes with catalyst aggregation and formation of an off-cycle bis(gold) vinyl complex.