Two Distinct Carbocyclizations of (2-Formylphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl acetates to Form Substituted 1H-indene Derivatives and 4-Acetoxy-3-hydroxy-2-naphthoates. Cooperative Catalysis using Au(I)/H2O Dual Catalysts

Gold-catalyzed cyclizations of (2-formylphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl acetates afford two distinct cyclization products. In the case of substrates bearing a alkyl or arylalkynyl group, 2-carbonyl-1H-indene derivatives were obtained whereas substrates bearing an electron-withdrawing alkynoate or alkynone group, distinct 4-acetoxy-3-hydroxy-2-naphthoates were produced efficiently. Our mechanistic analysis indicates that H2O is not only a nucleophile but also a catalyst for both carbocyclizations.