AuCl-catalyzed synthesis of benzyl-protected substituted phenols: a formal [3+3] approach

A AuCl-catalyzed synthesis of highly substituted, benzyl-protected phenols is developed. This reaction unites enal/enones and benzyl allenyl ether in a [3+3] fashion in two steps, allowing flexibility in phenol synthesis and excellent control of substitution at the benzene ring.