Au(I)-catalyzed efficient synthesis of functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes.

An efficient Au(I)-catalyzed synthesis of highly strained and functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes is developed. Subsequent couplings with various nucleophiles offer additional structural features/complexity. These one-pot, three-component reactions are proposed to proceed via a key 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between a Au carbenoid-containing carbonyl ylide and ethyl vinyl ether.