Alternative synthetic methods through new developments in catalysis by gold

A review has been given on the alternative gold-catalyzed synthetic methods in both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis that has been published until November 2007. A description is given regarding the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of enynes. Specific topics that has been covered include: the gold-catalyzed additions to C-C multiple bonds; activation of carbonyl/imine groups and alcohols; gold-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization; gold-catalyzed selective reductions; and finally the oxidation reactions. It has been found out that gold catalysts has the ability to do certain processes that other catalyst cannot. Gold is also found to be of alternative for platinum and palladium. Meanwhile, gold salts can activate either or both C-C multiple bonds or make σ-complexes with heteroatoms. In addition, gold salts have great potential with its ability to catalyze direct C-H bonds functionalization. Overall, gold is found to be of as a means of developing new green" technologies."