The enantioselective intermolecular gold(I)-catalyzed [2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and alkenes has been achieved using non-C₂-chiral Josiphos digold(I) complexes as catalysts, by the formation of the monocationic complex. This new approach has been applied to the enantioselective total synthesis of rumphellaone A.

Alkynyl indoles undergo a novel sequence of Pd-catalysed indole C–H activation/alkyne carbopalladation/arylation, with diaryliodonium salts providing the aryl components. An array of functionalised indole alkenes have been prepared in good to excellent yield, with the reaction being selective for the Z-alkene.

We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of (−)‐englerin A analogues obtained along our previously reported synthetic route based on a stereoselective gold(I) cycloaddition process. This synthetic route is a convenient platform to access analogues with broad structural diversity and has led us to the discovery of unprecedented and easier‐to‐synthesize derivatives with an unsaturation in the cyclopentyl ring between C4 and C5. We also introduce novel analogues in which the original isopropyl motif has been substituted with cyclohexyl, phenyl, and cyclopropyl moieties. The high selectivity and growth‐inhibitory activity shown by these new derivatives in renal cancer cell lines opens new ways toward the final goal of finding effective drugs for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).