Cross-coupling of arene–gold(III) complexes

The reactivity of electron-deficient arene–gold(III) complexes toward nucleophilic aromatic and heteroaromatic counterparts has been studied. 1-Methylindole proved to be the best reaction partner while trimethoxybenzenes did not react. The ancillary ligand on gold also influenced the reactivity in the order PPh3>PtBu3>IPr. An oxidative cross-coupling starting from the corresponding gold(I) complexes in presence of hypervalent iodide oxidants was also studied.