intermediates, such as enynes and silylbenzofulvenes, have been isolated. Different control experiments have been performed, indicating the participation of [LAu][NTf2AlCl3] complex as the true catalyst, and revealing a dramatic enhancement of the gold activity by coordination of the Lewis acid to the gold counterion.
The cationic iridium complex ([Ir(cod)2]OTf + rac-BINAP) efficiently catalyzed a sequential process of ortho-C-H bond functionalization, cyclization and dehydration, leading to a concise preparation of 1-methylene indene (benzofulvene) derivatives. The iridium complex operated as a catalyst in the ortho-C-H bond alkenylation of aryl ketones with alkynes and as a Lewis acid catalyst in the cyclization of the alkenylated product and the subsequent dehydration.