Divergent Synthesis of Sulfonyl Quinolines, Formyl Indoles, and Quinolones from Ethynyl Benzoxazinanones via AuI Catalysis, AuI-ArI Co-Catalysis, and Silver Catalysis

The oxidative addition of AuI with aromatic iodide (Ar-I) may generate reactive yet functional group tolerant AuIII catalysts (Ar-AuIII-I) in situ. Ar-AuIII-I may show different reactivity compared to AuI catalysts and other transition metal catalysts. Our proof of concept application is the divergent synthesis of sulfonyl quinolines, formyl indoles, and quinolones from ethynyl benzoxazinanones via AuI catalysis, AuI-ArI co-catalysis, and silver catalysis. The chemo- and regioselectivity are good, and all the reactions can be conducted in the open air.