Gold‐Catalyzed Dimerization of Diarylalkynes: Direct Access to Azulenes

We have developed a simple gold‐catalyzed procedure for the synthesis of substituted and modifiable azulenes. The azulenes are formed either by the dimerization of push–pull diarylalkynes bearing a fluorine atom in ortho or para position or by the dimerization of a symmetric electron‐rich diarylalkyne. In the presence of a cationic gold catalyst, the two alkynes can form a highly reactive vinyl cation. Trapping of this high‐energy intermediate by an appropriate aryl unit then delivers substituted azulenes in a single step and in a perfect atom economy.