Gold-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transformation of Hydroxylated Propargylic Esters.

By combining tandem asymmetric gold catalysis and subsequent stereoconvergent hydrolysis of enol ester in a one-pot process, hydroxylated propargylic esters are converted into chiral β-oxygenated ketones with mostly good enantiomeric ratios and in largely good to excellent yields. The product chiral center is formed via stereoselective cyclization of a hydroxylated allenyl ester intermediate, which is enabled by asymmetric gold-ligand cooperation.