An Alternative Approach to Direct Aldol Reaction Based on Gold‐Catalyzed Methoxyl Transfer.

A mild and catalyzed alternative to the direct aldol reaction has been developed based on the gold-catalyzed methoxy group transfer from dimethyl acetals to terminal alkynes. Due to the simultaneous activation of the acetals, this aldol approach is only functional for acetals but not aldehydes. A ligand effect from the gold complex has also been observed.