Gold‐Catalyzed Allylation Reactions

Abstract

AbstractThe allylation reaction is a well‐established and indispensable tool for the development of chemical complexity and diversity in organic synthesis. Over several decades, this unique transformation has undergone several developments to establish a more simple, selective, and sustainable variant. Moving from stoichiometric amounts of metal additives to sub‐stoichiometric amounts, and more recently to catalytic loadings is only one of the chemical revolutions faced by the allylation reaction. In this context, homogeneous gold catalysis has played a pivotal role, resulting in unexpected reaction pathways, concerning unactivated unsaturated hydrocarbons, feasible. Among them, [AuI]‐ and [AuIII]‐assisted allylation reactions deserve particular mention owing to their impact in the synthesis of key organic building blocks and value‐added compounds. An unprecedented survey across the development of allylation methodologies based on this coinage metal is documented in the present Minireview.