Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: The combined use of asymmetric Au(I) catalysis with allylic as well as propargylic alcohols proved to be a competent synthetic tool, toward the realization of complex molecular organic architectures in a stereochemically defined manner. In particular, allylic alcohols have been utilized as alkylating agents in the synthesis of tetrahydrocarbazoles/carbolines and morpholines by means of new C–C and C–X bond-forming processes. Analogously, the direct activation of indole-propargylic alcohols with cationic Au complexes opened a direct access to tetracyclic fused indolines in a highly stereoselective manner.