An unusual Lewis-acid-mediated ring-exchange reaction of dihydrobenzofurans is described. The fused tricyclic ring system is the key structural element for this reaction as it restricts C–N bond rotation and/or destabilizes the benzofuran ring. We achieved the formal totalsynthesis of (−)-quinocarcinamide using a combination of this reaction and the Au(I)-catalyzed 6-endo-dig hydroamination of an
The totalsynthesis of the pentacyclic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid quinocarcin, which possesses intriguing structural and biological features, has been achieved through a gold(I)‐catalyzed regioselective hydroamination reaction. It is noteworthy that the regioselectivity of the intramolecular hydroamination of an unsymmetrical alkyne could be completely switched through substrate control. Other