Homogeneous gold catalysis under microwave irradiation: a greener approach

Abstract

In this chapter, we report a complete overview of the literature on the microwave (MW) irradiation-assisted organic protocols promoted by homogeneous gold catalysts. After a general introduction on the homogeneous Au catalysis and a preliminary discussion on the main features of MW irradiation as a non-conventional energy source in the context of Green Chemistry, we organize the existing literature in two sections: (i) methodologies involving the synthesis of acyclic compounds through the formation of carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds; (ii) methodologies involving the preparation of carbocyclic or heterocyclic compounds. For each protocol we highlight both the synthetic and mechanistic aspects, as well as their relevant features in the field of the Green Chemistry and, when possible, the advantages (in terms of reaction times and product yields) with respect to conventional thermal heating.