Very Small (3-6 Atoms) Gold Cluster Catalyzed Carbón-Carbon and Carbon-Heteroatom Bond-Forming Reactions in Solution

Small gold clusters containing 3-6 atoms (submolar) catalyze different carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. They can be formed in situ from gold salts, complexes and nanoparticles under acidic conditions. A sound determination of possible clusters in solution for previously reported reactions can only be assessed after accurate kinetic studies, in situ and ex situ spectroscopic measurements, and comparison with preformed gold clusters, as the stability of gold salts and complexes can vary depending on the type of catalyst and the experimental conditions. The results here reported could be expanded not only to other gold-catalyzed reactions but also to other catalytic metal systems.