Au(I)-catalyzed tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement–cycloisomerization cascade as a route to spirocyclic furans

Gold-catalyzed reaction of 1-(3-hydroxypropynyl)cycloalkanol derivatives was studied. The reaction profile was highly dependent on the ring size, migrating group, as well as reaction conditions. An efficient route to spirocyclic furans via tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement–cycloisomerization is reported.