Au I /Au III Catalysis: An Alternative Approach for CC Oxidative Coupling

When reacted in the presence of external oxidants, gold complexes are capable of catalyzing oxidative homo‐ and cross‐coupling reactions involving the formation of new CC bonds. Over the last few years, several cascade processes have been reported in which coupling is preceded by a gold‐mediated aryl CH functionalization or nucleophilic addition. These reactions combine the unique reactivity of gold with oxidative coupling, enabling the construction of CC bonds between coupling partners that are not easily accessed using alternative catalysts. In this Concept paper, the development of gold‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reactions is discussed focusing on CC bond‐forming reactions of broad synthetic appeal.