Homogeneous Gold Catalysis through Relativistic Effects: Addition of Water to Propyne

摘要

In the catalytic addition of water to propyne the Au(III) catalyst is notstable under non-relativistic conditions and dissociates into a Au(I) compoundand Cl2. This implies that one link in the chain of events in the catalyticcycle is broken and relativity may well be seen as the reason why Au(III)compounds are effective catalysts.