Gold(I)-catalysed hydroarylations of alkynes for the synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes.

We describe the first gold(I)-catalysed intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes for the straightforward synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes. This step- and atom-economical approach, which exploits a formal meta-functionalisation of the calix[4]arene macrocycle, is able to deliver an ample family of N-heterocyclic, chiral compounds in high yields and functional group tolerance.