Gold‐Catalyzed Oxidative Ring Expansion of 2‐Alkynyl‐1,2‐Dihydropyridines or ‐quinolines: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Azepine or Benzazepine Scaffolds

A gold‐catalyzed highly regio‐ and chemoselective oxidative ring expansion of 2‐alkynyl‐1,2‐dihydropyridines and its analogues using pyridine‐N‐oxide as the oxidant has been developed. Ring expansion proceeds through exclusive 1,2‐migration of a vinyl or phenyl group, whereas no 1,2‐H and 1,2‐N migration take place. The reaction provides an efficient and attractive route to various types of medium‐sized azepine derivatives in generally high to excellent yields with a broad functional group tolerance. DFT studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through the formation of a cyclopropyl gold intermediate, and no gold carbene species is involved.