“Silver Effect” in Gold(I) Catalysis: An Overlooked Important Factor

Clear experimental evidence from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and 31P NMR spectroscopy has been obtained for the first time to confirm that the combination of Ag+ cation with [L-Au]+ results in the formation of different complexes in solution. Re-evaluation of literature-reported gold-catalyzed reactions revealed a significant difference in the reactivities with and without silver. In extreme cases (more than “rare”), the conventional [L-Au]+ catalysts could not promote the reaction without the presence of silver. This investigation has therefore revealed a long-overlooked “silver effect” in gold catalysis and should lead to revision of the actual mechanism.