Gold(I)-mediated C-H activation of arenes.

We demonstrate the first Au(I)-mediated C-H activation of arenes. Au(I) salts undergo C-H activation with electron-poor arenes, in stark contrast to Au(III) salts, which activate electron-rich arenes. This operationally simple and highly regioselective process occurs under very mild conditions and gives access to a variety of Au(I)-arene complexes in excellent yields.