PPh₃AuTFA Catalyzed in the Dearomatization of 2‑Naphthols with Allenamides

A new catalytic methodology for the direct dearomatization of substituted 2-naphthols via intermolecular condensation with allenamides is presented. PPh₃AuTFA (5 mol %) promotes the formal allylating dearomative protocol under mild conditions, large scope (24 examples), and high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. The synergistic catalytic role played by the [PPh₃Au]⁺ (π-acid) and TFA^– (Lewis base) is highlighted.