Gold-catalyzed chemoselective formal (3+2)-Annulation reaction between β-naphthols and methyl aryldiazoacetate

A chemoselective domino annulation reaction of β-naphthols with methyl aryldiazoacetate is described. The gold catalyst promoted C–H functionalization of β-naphthols, whereas a rhodium or copper complex led to O–H insertion reactions. Consecutive intramolecular lactonization occurred after site-selective alkylation at the 1-position of β-naphthol, providing functionalized naphthofuranone derivatives. The product was transformed into a chiral molecule bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center with high enantioselectivity.