Cyclometallated gold(III) complexes as effective catalysts for synthesis of propargylic amines, chiral allenes and isoxazoles

A series of cyclometallated gold(III) complexes [Au(CN)Cl₂] 1a-l (HCN=arylpyridines) and a PEG-linked complex 1m were synthesized. Complexes 1a-m are effective in catalyzing the synthesis of propargylic amines, chiral allenes and isoxazoles. Six-membered ring cyclometallated gold(III) complexes 1f-l exhibited higher catalytic activity than five-membered ring cyclometallated gold(III) complexes 1a-e. The diastereoselectivity of propargylic amines could be tuned by using chiral aldehyde and/or amine substrates. Excellent enantioselectivities (90-98% ee) were achieved in chiral allene synthesis. Chiral allene racemization could be minimized by using 1f as catalyst. The PEG-linked catalyst 1m is the most catalytically active towards synthesis of propargylic amines, in which case a product turnover of 900 was achieved. Moreover, 1m could be repeatedly used for 12 reaction cycles, leading to an overall turnover number of 872.