Design of Single Gold Atoms on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for Molecular Recognition in Alkyne Semi‐Hydrogenation

Single‐atom catalysts twinkle. Heterogeneous catalysts based on single atoms of gold stabilized on nitrogen‐doped carbon are studied by J. Pérez‐Ramírez, N. López, et al. in their Communication (DOI: 10.1002/anie.201805820). The cover is inspired by the van Gogh masterpiece ′Starry night over the Rhône′. Gold atoms with tailored oxidation state and coordination sphere (stars) exhibit different spectroscopic fingerprints (reflections on water) and an unprecedented volcano‐type performance for the hydrogenation of functionalized alkynes (pier). The couple on the shore show that experiments and theory should go hand in hand to achieve a rational catalyst design.