Intramolecular gold(III) catalysed Diels–Alder reaction of 1-(2-furyl)-hex-1-en-5-yn-3-ol derivatives: a short and generalised route for the synthesis of hydroxyphenanthrene derivatives

Gold(III) catalysed intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction of various 1-(2-furyl)-hex-1-en-5-yn-3-ol derivatives has been studied to synthesise hydroxyphenanthrenes and other polynuclear aromatic hydroxyl compounds. The required precursors were synthesised by indium mediated propargylation of suitable β-furyl-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.