Gold-Catalyzed Synthesis of Small Rings

Three- and four-membered rings, widespread motifs in nature and medicinal chemistry, have fascinated chemists ever since their discovery. However, due to energetic considerations, small rings are often difficult to assemble. In this regard, homogeneous gold catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool to construct these highly strained carbocycles. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of all the major advances and discoveries made in the gold-catalyzed synthesis of cyclopropanes, cyclopropenes, cyclobutanes, cyclobutenes, and their corresponding heterocyclic or heterosubstituted analogs.

Automated summary

This review provides a comprehensive summary of major advances and discoveries in gold-catalyzed synthesis of highly strained carbocycles, including cyclopropanes, cyclopropenes, cyclobutanes, cyclobutenes, and their heterocyclic or heterosubstituted analogs, demonstrating the powerful application of homogeneous gold catalysis in constructing small ring compounds.