Gold-catalysed cyclic ether formation from diols

Gold(I) and (III) salts have been found to be highly effective at the catalysis of ether formation from alcohols. Intramolecular ether formation of a 1,5-diol was also achieved, with a stereoselectivity that indicates that an S_N1 mechanism predominates. In an attempt to form a seven-membered ring, a stable 14-membered dimer product was also formed. Attempts to control the diastereoselectivity of the reaction using a chiral anionic counterion did not give products with a high de.