Cycloisomerization of Conjugated Allenones into Furans under Mild Conditions Catalyzed by Ligandless Au Nanoparticles

Abstract

Au nanoparticles supported on TiO₂ (1 mol %) catalyze the quantitative cycloisomerization of conjugated allenones into furans under very mild conditions. The reaction rate is accelerated by adding acetic acid (1 equiv), but the acid does not participate in the protodeauration step as in the corresponding Au(III)-catalyzed transformation. The process is purely heterogeneous, allowing thus the recycling and reuse of the catalyst effectively in several runs.