Gold-catalyzed multicomponent reactions

Abstract

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have emerged as an important branch in organic synthesis for the creation of complex molecular structures from more than two starting materials in a one-pot fashion. Conventionally, the use of transition metals as catalysts has been well-known for achieving MCRs and a number of reviews on this topic are documented in the literature. Gold, unlike other transition metals, offers unique reactivity profiles meaning that newer molecules which were previously inaccessible can be synthesized. In the past few years, gold catalysts have emerged as powerful contenders for achieving MCRs that are unique on mechanistic grounds. This comprehensive review summarizes the state-of-the-art in the development of gold-catalyzed MCRs with a special emphasis on recent developments.