The gold(I)-catalyzed oxycyclization of β-aryl monosubstituted
o-(alkynyl)styrenes gives rise to 1-α-methoxy or 1-α-hydroxybenzyl-
1H-indenes in a diastereospecific way. In contrast to
β,β-disubstituted o-(alkynyl)styrenes, the stereochemical outcome
of this process, diastereospecific reaction supports the higher contribution
of a gold intermediate with a cyclopropylcarbene-like
character.
