Preparation and properties of arylgold compounds. Scope and limitations of the auration reaction

Several ligand-free monoarylgold dichlorides (RC₆H₄AuCl₂)₂ (R = H, Me, Et, i-Pr, t-Bu, Ph) have been prepared from arenes and AuCl₃; contrary to earlier reports, addition of ligands is not necessary in order to obtain thermally stable products. The auration is inhibited if the arenes contain potentially coordinating substituents. The properties and reactions of the arylgold dichlorides are discussed.