A new efficient gold(III) catalysed synthesis of β-enaminones from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and ammonia/amines providing an attractive and environmental friendly alternative to the more vigorous reagents and drastic conditions of the existing methodologies is described; the catalysis of gold(III) is also extended to reaction of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls with O-, P- and S-nucleophiles.

A new approach to the Friedländer synthesis of quinolines is described. Polysubstituted quinolines are readily prepared under milder conditions than in other existing methods through a gold(III)-catalysed sequential condensation/annulation reaction of o-amino aromatic carbonyls and ketones containing active methylene groups.