Regioselective Crossed Aldol Reactions under Mild Conditions via Synergistic Gold-Iron Catalysis

A synergistic gold/iron catalytic system was developed for sequential alkyne hydration and vinyl gold addition to aldehydes or ketones. Fe(acac)3 was identified as an essential co-catalyst in preventing vinyl gold protodeauration and facilitating nucleophilic additions. Effective C-C bond formation was achieved under mild conditions (r.t.) with excellent regioselectivity and high efficiency (1% [Au], up to 95% yields). Extending reaction scope...