1,2-Migrations onto Gold Carbene Centers

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Gold carbenes are key intermediates in homogeneous gold catalysis.
• They facilitate diverse reactions including C-H/X-H insertions, cyclopropanations, and 1,2-migrations.
• 1,2-migrations onto gold carbenes are powerful for constructing molecular complexity but less studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of 1,2-migrations onto gold carbene centers.
• To critically analyze existing literature on this transformation.
• To draw preliminary conclusions on the migratory aptitude of different groups.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of 1,2-migrations in gold carbene chemistry.
• Categorization of reactions based on carbene precursors.
• Analysis of migratory aptitudes of various substituents.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of 1,2-migrations onto gold carbene centers.
• Identification of trends and factors influencing migratory aptitude.
• Compilation of a critical resource for researchers in the field.

Conclusions:

• 1,2-migrations onto gold carbenes are a versatile tool for organic synthesis.
• Further research is warranted to fully explore this underappreciated reaction class.
• This review establishes a foundation for understanding migratory preferences in gold carbene chemistry.