A new method for converting 2-alkynyl arylazide derivatives into functionalized polysubstituted quinolines following a gold-catalyzed 1,3-acetoxy shift/cyclization/1,2-group shift sequence has been developed. This transformation proceeds under mild reaction conditions, is efficient, and tolerates a large variety of functional groups.

In the presence of a Cu(I) catalyst and a pyridine oxide, alkynyl oxiranes and oxetanes can be converted into functionalized five- or six-membered α,β-unsaturated lactones or dihydrofuranaldehydes. This new oxidative cyclization is proposed to proceed via an unusual allenyloxypyridinium intermediate.