Gold catalysis in total synthesis

Gold(I) chloride coordinated 3-hexyne

A linear gold(I) complex featuring a simple, unstrained alkyne has been synthesized using AuCl and 3-hexyne and characterized using X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory calculations show that sigma donation from alkyne --> Au dominates over the Au --> alkyne pi back-donation.

Gold--an introductory perspective

We introduce the collection of reviews in this thematic issue of Chemical Society Reviews that demonstrate and discuss the current cutting edge research in the field of gold chemistry and materials science as it stands today. We also highlight achievements in the fields of gold catalysis, gold nanoparticles and the preparative, structural and theoretical chemistry of gold, and discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities. Our aim is to inspire further discovery in these new and deeply fascinating fields.