PPh3AuTFA Catalyzed in the Dearomatization of 2-Naphthols with Allenamides.

A new catalytic methodology for the direct dearomatization of substituted 2-naphthols via intermolecular condensation with allenamides is presented. PPh3AuTFA (5 mol %) promotes the formal allylating dearomative protocol under mild conditions, large scope (24 examples), and high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. The synergistic catalytic role played by the [PPh3Au]+ (π-acid) and TFA- (Lewis base) is highlighted.