Catalysis of Organic Transformations by Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Metal Oxides

Supported gold nanoparticles on metal oxides surfaces are powerful catalysts applicable to a variety of organic transformations. Following the first observation that they activate molecular oxygen towards oxidation of CO or organic compounds (e.g. alcohols) under mild conditions, it was uncovered during the past decade that Au nanoparticles activate alkynes, silanes, dihydrogen, exhibit oxophilic activity, catalyze CC bond forming cross-coupling reactions and transfer hydrogenation processes, thus mimicking the catalytic activity of Pd, Pt, and other late transition metals. Keywords: catalysis; cross-coupling reactions; gold nanoparticles; isomerization; oxidation; reduction