Gold-catalyzed transformations of α-diazocarbonyl compounds: selectivity and diversity

Metal carbenes, generated from the decomposition of diazo compounds by transition-metals, have a broad range of applications in organic synthesis. The progress of organic transformation via transition metal (such as Rh, Cu, Fe, Ag) carbenes has been well summarized in a few excellent reviews. This review will summarize gold-catalyzed transformations of α-diazocarbonyl compounds by highlighting the specificity and applicability of these diverse transformations such as X–H insertion, C–H functionalization, cyclopropanation, cycloaddition, and coupling reactions. In order to understand these reactions, the mechanistic rationale for selected examples is also provided.