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As little as 2 mol % of (XPhos)AuNTf2 catalyzes the transformation of a broad range of o-acetylene-substituted styrenes into 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes. Our data suggests that this transformation occurs via a gold-stabilized cyclopropyl carbinyl cation, which triggers either a [1,2] carboxylate shift or a less favorable [1,2] aryl shift. The relative rates of these migrations can be controlled by the identity of the ligand or by stabilizing the mesomeric cation.

A palladium-catalyzed dual ortho C–H bond activation of aryl thiocarbamates is developed. This tandem reaction initiates by thiocarbamate-directed ortho C–H palladation, which leads to favorable olefin insertion rather than reductive elimination. The oxidative Heck reaction followed by another C–H activation and sulfuration affords the dual-functionalized products. This reaction provides a concise route to the S,O,C multisubstituted benzene skeleton which could be successfully applied for the synthesis of a COX-2 inhibitor.

A Rh-catalyzed annulation of aryl thiocarbamates with internal alkynes via C–H bond activation has been developed. This protocol provides a new route to 3,4-disubstituted coumarins.