Heterogeneous Gold-Catalysed Synthesis of Phenols

Nanoparticles of gold supported on nanocrystalline CeO2 catalyse the isomerisation of ω‐alkynylfurans to phenols. Initial leaching of gold was observed, which could be minimised by calcining. Subsequent runs showed that once all soluble species had leached, the surface‐bound, cationic gold species is still active and can reach turnover numbers of up to 391. This is the first time that a heterogeneous gold catalyst showed activity in the gold‐catalysed phenol synthesis.