Gold-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of arenyne-yne functionalities.

We report a new efficient intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of unactivated arenyne (or enyne)-yne functionalities, catalyzed mainly by the AuPPh3SbF6 complex (2 mol %) under ambient conditions. The value of this cyclization is reflected by its applicability to a wide range of diyne substrates bearing various functional groups.