Simple Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzofulvenes—gem‐Diaurated Species as “Instant Dual‐Activation” Precatalysts

Alkyl-substituted diynes deliver benzofulvenes in a unique gold-catalyzed reaction. The catalytic cycle involves the formation of gold acetylides by alkynyl C–H activation, the formation of vinylidene gold(I) intermediates by dual activation, and alkyl C–H activation by the vinylidene gold(I) species. gem-Diaurated species obtained from the catalysis reactions prove to be highly active catalysts for these conversions. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.