Gold‐Catalyzed Migrations and Ring Expansions

Abstract

Gold complexes have been used to π-activate alkynes, alkenes, and related moieties due to their strong affinity for these carbon systems. In this chapter we have summarized first, the most representative examples of gold-catalyzed migrations occurring in propargylic systems and classified them according to the nature of the migrating group. In the second part, we have compiled the most relevant gold-catalyzed ring expansions according to ring size. The current mechanistic understanding of these transformations is also presented. Keywords: π-activation; gold catalysis; migrations; propargyl esters; ring expansions