Gold-Catalyzed Carbene Transfer Reactions

Abstract

In homogeneous gold catalysis, generations and reactions of metal carbenes have been one of the most rapidly developing areas because of their diverse reactivity under mild conditions. This review covers recent advances in the gold-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer and carbene transfer reactions to alkynes. Atom transfer to an alkyne enables alkynes to function as metal carbene synthons. Many such reactions fulfill redox neutrality starting from safe and easily handled precursors.