An unexpected gold(I)-catalyzed homo-Rautenstrauch rearrangement of 1-cyclopropyl propargylic esters to cyclohexenones is disclosed. This rearrangement represents new evidence for the recently discussed gold-stabilized non-classical carbocation character of intermediates in gold catalysis. A mechanistic study proved partial chirality transfer from optically active propargyl acetates.
Gaoni,Y., Israel Journal of Chemistry, 1971, vol. 9, p. 63 - 69