Gold(I)-Catalyzed Diazo Cross-Coupling: A Selective and Ligand-Controlled Denitrogenation/Cyclization Cascade

An unprecedented gold‐catalyzed ligand‐controlled cross‐coupling of diazo compounds by sequential selective denitrogenation and cyclization affords N‐substituted pyrazoles in a position‐switchable mode. This novel transformation features selective decomposition of one diazo moiety and simultaneous preservation of the other one from two substrates. Notably, the choice of the ancillary ligand to the gold complex plays a pivotal role on the chemo‐ and regioselectivity of the reactions. Old switcheroo: The title reaction proceeds through sequential denitrogenation and cyclization to afford N‐substituted pyrazoles in a position‐switchable mode. This novel transformation features selective decomposition of one diazo moiety and simultaneous preservation of the other one from two substrates. The choice of the ancillary ligand on the gold complex plays a pivotal role on the chemo‐ and regioselectivity of the reaction.