Gold(I)-Catalyzed Direct Alkyne Hydroarylation in Ionic Liquids: Mechanistic Insights

The factors determining the catalytic performance of a recently discovered system for direct intermolecular alkyne hydroarylations, comprising gold(I) complex general formula LAuX (L = neutral ligand; X weakly coordinating counteranion) and an ionic liquid as solvent, have been investigated. In particular, effect anion, cation, electronic steric properties ligand L considered. results investigation shed some light in particular on role which is multiform can potentially influence many respects, ligand, should be relatively poor electron donor but not so much to compromise stability catalyst. Knowledge affecting will speed up optimization this system, case hydroarylations with different substrates, also facilitate extension its application other reactions.