Gold catalysis in the reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyls with nucleophiles

A new efficient gold(III) catalysed synthesis of beta-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.