Cycloaurated gold(III) complexes derived from cycloaurated iminophosphorane, triphenylphosphine sulfide or selenide, or pyridylsulfonamide ligands have been assessed for their catalytic activity in the addition of 2-methylfuran to methyl vinyl ketone. Addition of AgBF₄ was generally needed for high activity, although those with coordinated atoms of high trans influence showed some activity in the absence of added Ag⁺.