A Cascade Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Furanized Triarylmethanes via Gold Self-Relay Catalysis

In this paper, A new gold self-relay catalysis enabling intramolecular annulation and intermolecular Michael addition of 3-yne-1,2-diols with aurone-derived azadienes (or para-quinone methides) is reported, efficiently furnishing a range of unsymmetrical furanized triarylmethanes with substituent diversity in good yields. The overall process was governed by the & pi;- and & sigma;-Lewis acid capability of gold complexes, providing a catalytic strategy for constructing triarylmethane skeletons.