The gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of terminal alkynes with alkenes leads to cyclobutenes. The use of sterically hindered cationic Au(I) complexes as catalysts is key for the success of this reaction.
![Gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with alkenes](https://www.iciq.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/GoldI-catalyzed_9292.gif)
The gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of terminal alkynes with alkenes leads to cyclobutenes. The use of sterically hindered cationic Au(I) complexes as catalysts is key for the success of this reaction.