Phosphine Gold(I) Bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate Complexes as New Highly Efficient and Air-Stable Catalysts for the Cycloisomerization of Enynes

[reaction: see text] A study concerning the synthesis of new phosphine gold(I) complexes using the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate moiety as a weakly coordinating counter-anion is described. These new air-stable complexes are more convenient to prepare, store, and handle and are exceedingly active for the catalysis of a wide range of enynes cycloisomerizations.