Au(i) π-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)acetylene triphenylphosphine complex, an effective pre-catalyst for Au(i)-catalyzed reactions

Abstract

A linear η²-alkyne π complex of [Ph₃PAu]⁺, namely Au(I) π-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)acetylene triphenylphosphine complex (1), was prepared and characterized. The new complex is found to be shelf-stable and effective for a range of the Au(I)-catalyzed alkyne π activation reactions, including a glycosylation reaction with glycosyl ortho-alkynylbenzoates as donors.