Au → M bonds promote catalytic alkyne hydrofunctionalisation

Abstract

The impact of metalloligands on Au catalysed alkyne hydrofunctionalisation is studied. Ambiphilic PMP-type ligands (M = Cu^I, Ag^I, Zn^II) stabilise Au → M bonds including unprecedented Au^I → Zn^II interactions. The Lewis acidity of Au increases in the order Cu^I < Ag^I < Zn^II promoting catalytic cycloisomerisation of propargylamide 14. Au/Zn complex 8 is an excellent catalyst for alkyne hydroamination.