Gold(I)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Synthons in Organometallic Synthesis

Abstract

AbstractThe prominent role of gold‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes in numerous research areas such as homogeneous (photo)catalysis, medicinal chemistry and materials science has prompted organometallic chemists to design gold‐based synthons that permit access to target complexes through simple synthetic steps under mild conditions. In this review, the main gold‐NHC synthons employed in organometallic synthesis are discussed. Mechanistic aspects involved in their synthesis and reactivity as well as applications of gold‐NHC synthons as efficient pre‐catalysts, antitumor agents and/or photo‐emissive materials are presented.