N-Heterocyclic carbenes in gold catalysis

Abstract

The appealing properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) as ancillary ligands and the high potential of gold as an organometallic catalyst have made their encounter inevitable. Still in its infancy, NHC–gold catalysis is nevertheless growing rapidly. In this tutorial review, catalytic transformations involving NHC-containing gold(I) and gold(III) complexes are presented. Particular attention is drawn to the versatility and selectivity of these catalysts.