Gold-catalysis:: Reactions of furandialkynes

Six furandialkynes were prepared and investigated in gold-catalyzed reactions. Only gold(III) chloride allowed a conversion of the furandialkynes into the corresponding phenol derivative and a further conversion of the ortho-alkynylfurans into benzofurans. Free hydroxy groups in the substrate led to competing hydroalkoxylations to give acylfurans or benzofuran spiroketals.