Abstract
Gold(I) catalysts are ideal for the activation of alkynes under very mild conditions. However, unlike allenes or alkenes, the triple bond of alkynes cannot be prochiral. In addition, the linear coordination displayed by gold(I) complexes places the chiral ligand far away from the substrate resulting in an inefficient transfer of chiral information. This poses a significant challenge for the achievement of high enantiocontrol in gold(I)âcatalyzed reactions of alkynes. Although considerable progress on enantioselective gold(I)âcatalyzed transformations has recently been achieved, the asymmetric activation of nonâprochiral alkyneâcontaining small molecules still represents a great challenge. Herein we summarize recent advances in intraâ and intermolecular enantioselective gold(I)âcatalyzed reactions involving alkynes, discussing new chiral ligand designs that lie at the basis of these developments. We also focus on the mode of action of these catalysts, their possible limitations towards a nextâgeneration of more efficient ligand designs. Finally, square planar chiral gold(III) complexes, which offer an alternative to chiral gold(I) complexes, are also discussed.
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