Coinage Metal Catalysts for the Addition of O-H to C=C Bonds

The direct addition of O-H bonds to C=C bonds is a very attractive way of synthesising alcohols, ethers and esters, due to the inherent atom- and step-economy of the process. This microreview focuses on the development of group 11 metal catalysts in mediating these transformations. Bronsted acid catalysis has been shown to play a role in some of these processes, and this is highlighted where appropriate. The utility of these methods in organic synthesis is addressed through selected examples.