Mechanochemical synthesis of (hetero)aryl Au() complexes

Growing demand for sustainable chemical syntheses casts mechanochemistry in a new light as an environmentally benign alternative to traditional solvent-based methods. Given recent interest in Au( i ) complexes for catalytic, materials, and medicinal applications, we developed a mechanochemical protocol to prepare (hetero)aryl Au( i ) complexes under green conditions. The procedure reported here uses C-H or C-B activation to afford the corresponding Au( i ) complexes in high yields. Our approach bypasses external heating, long reaction times and the use of toxic solvents. We demonstrate that mechanochemical C-H auration can be used on highly functionalised bioactive substrates. Mechanistic aspects of the C-H auration are discussed. Shake, Rattle and Gold! Mechanochemistry enables the efficient and selective synthesis of organo-Au( i ) complexes.