Sequential Au(I)-catalyzed reaction of water with o-acetylenyl-substituted phenyldiazoacetates

Abstract
The gold(I)-catalyzed reaction of water with o-acetylenyl-substituted phenyldiazoacetates provides 1H-isochromene derivatives in good yields. The reaction follows a catalytic sequence of gold carbene formation/water O–H insertion/alcohol-alkyne cyclization. The gold(I) complex is the only catalyst in each of these steps.