Intermolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition of Alkynes with Alkenes Catalyzed by Gold(I)

Abstract The synthesis of cyclobutenes by metal‐catalyzed intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with alkenes is normally restricted to strained bicyclic olefins. This article describes gold(I)‐catalyzed intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with differentlysubstituted alkenes as an important method for the formation of cyclobutenes.