A Critical Comparison Copper, Silver, and Gold

Institute of Organic Chemistry, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany 

3 In Silico Comparison of Organocopper(I), Organosilver(I), and Organogold(I) -Ate Compounds 

Silver in Organic Chemistry Edited by Michael Harmata Copyright 2010 John Wiley Sons, Inc. 

This basic example demonstrates what will be discussed in this chapter, similarities and differences between the elements of the copper triad, but with a focus on homogeneous catalysis. 

All three metals have been used extensively in homogeneous catalysis of organic reactions. Early work focused on copper thus the catalysis-related literature for this element is abundant.4 Silver had sustained continuous interest,5 but never to the extent that copper experienced. Gold is the youngest member in the field of catalysis, but is currently (as of 2009) catching up at an incredible rate.6 

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