Catalytic activity of gold nanoclusters in intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes and alkynes with toluenesulfonamide under aerobic and basic conditions

Gold nanoclusters stabilized by a hydrophilic polymer, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP), catalyzed the intramolecular hydroamination of toluenesulfonamides to unactivated alkenes/alkynes in EtOH under aerobic and basic conditions. The reaction proceeds via anti-addition of toluenesulfonamide to the alkenes assisted by π-activation of the gold clusters.