Mechanochemical synthesis of (hetero)aryl Au(i) 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.