Ion pairing in NHC gold(I) olefin complexes: A combined experimental/theoretical study

The relative anion-cation orientation in [(NHC)Au(alkene)]BF₄ ion pairs [NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene = 1,3-bis(di-iso-propylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr) and 4,5-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene (^MeIPr); alkene = 4-methyl-1-pentene, 2,3-methyl-2-butene and 4-methylstyrene] has been investigated by combining ¹⁹F,¹H-HOESY NMR spectroscopy in CD₂Cl₂ and a detailed analysis of the Coulomb potential of the cationic fragment through DFT calculations. Two main orientations have been found where the anion locates close to the imidazole ring (NHC-side) and close to the olefin (olefin-side). The NHC-side orientation is always predominant (65-83%) while the exact position of the anion in the olefin-side is finely tuned by the nature of olefin substituents. In all cases, the counterion resides far away from the gold site, the latter carrying only a small fraction of the positive charge.     

Cationic NHC-gold(I) complexes: Synthesis, isolation, and catalytic activity

The reaction of [(NHC)AuCl] complexes (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) with a chloride abstractor of the type AgX, where X is a non-coordinating anion, led, in the presence of a neutral coordinating solvent S, to a series of cationic gold(I) complexes of formulae [(NHC)Au(S)]X. Hence, different cationic NHC-gold(I) species bound to acetonitrile, pyridine, 2-Br-pyridine, 3-Br-pyridine, norbornadiene, and THF could be synthesized and characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. Among these, the results of X-ray diffraction studies for [(IPr)Au(NCMe)]SbF₆, [(IAd)Au(NCMe)]PF₆, [(IPr)Au(pyr)]PF₆, [(IPr)Au(2-Br-pyr)]PF₆, [(IPr)Au(3-Br-pyr)]PF₆ are discussed. As special feature, the structure of [(IPr)Au(2-Br-pyr)]PF₆ presented a secondary interaction between the gold and bromine atoms. Additionally, while attempting to obtain crystals of [(IPr)Au(nbd)]PF₆, we crystallized a decomposition product featuring a very rare anion as bridging ligand with formulae [(μ-PF₄)((IPr)Au)₂]PF₄. The observation of a possible P-F bond activation has important implications for cationic Au-based homogeneous catalysis. Finally, we compared the catalytic activities of the different cationic [(NHC)Au(S)]X complexes in the allylic acetate rearrangement reaction and notably observed the inertness of pyridine-based catalysts.     

Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes Efficiently Stabilize Gold(I) Cations,Leading to High Activity in π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Cyclizations

A series of six‐ and seven‐membered expanded‐ring N‐heterocyclic carbene (er‐NHC) gold(I) complexes has been synthesized using different synthetic approaches. Complexes with weakly coordinating anions [(er‐NHC)AuX] (X^?=BF₄^?, NTf₂^?, OTf^?) were generated in solution. According to their ¹³C NMR spectra, the ionic character of the complexes increases in the order X^?=Cl^?<NTf₂^?<OTf^?<BF₄^?. Additional factors for stabilization of the cationic complexes are expansion of the NHC ring and the attachment of bulky substituents at the nitrogen atoms. These er‐NHCs are bulkier ligands and stronger electron donors than conventional NHCs as well as phosphines and sulfides and provide more stabilization of [(L)Au⁺] cations. A comparative study has been carried out of the catalytic activities of five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered carbene complexes [(NHC)AuX], [(Ph₃P)AuX], [(Me₂S)AuX], and inorganic compounds of gold in model reactions of indole and benzofuran synthesis. It was found that increased ionic character of the complexes was correlated with increased catalytic activity in the cyclization reactions. As a result, we developed an unprecedentedly active monoligand cationic [(THD‐Dipp)Au]BF₄ (1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydrodiazepin‐2‐ylidene gold(I) tetrafluoroborate) catalyst bearing seven‐membered‐ring carbene and bulky Dipp substituents. Quantitative yields of cyclized products were attained in several minutes at room temperature at 1 mol % catalyst loadings. The experimental observations were rationalized and fully supported by DFT calculations.     

Synthesis and Reversible H2 Activation by Coordinatively Unsaturated Rhodium NHC Complexes

We report the synthesis of coordinatively unsaturated cationic rhodium complexes bearing the sterically encumbered electron-rich NHC ligand IPr*^OMe. The COD (1,5-cyclooctadiene) complex [Rh(IPr*^OMe)(COD)]BF₄ adopts a tilted, pseudo-square planar coordination geometry, where bonding to the ipso-carbon of the NHC aryl substituent was observed in the solid state. Hydrogenation of this complex afforded a metastable dihydride complex [Rh(IPr*^OMe)(H)₂]BF₄ with an unusual internal coordination to an arene of the ligand. In the absence of a hydrogen atmosphere, spontaneous reductive elimination of H₂ afforded a rhodium complex [Rh(IPr*^OMe)]BF₄ with a single chelating ligand that stabilizes the highly unsaturated metal by two-fold π-face donation as suggested by NMR spectroscopy and computational studies. This unusual complex might serve as a versatile precatalyst for a variety of transformations.     

Chemistry surrounding monomeric copper(I) methyl, phenyl, anilido, ethoxide, and phenoxide complexes supported by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands: reactivity consistent with both early and late transition metal systems

Monomeric copper(I) alkyl complexes that possess the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands IPr, SIPr, and IMes [IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene, IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] react with amines or alcohols to release alkane and form the corresponding monomeric copper(I) amido, alkoxide, or aryloxide complexes. Thermal decomposition reactions of (NHC)Cu(I) methyl complexes at temperatures between 100 and 130 degrees C produce methane, ethane, and ethylene. The reactions of (NHC)Cu(NHPh) complexes with bromoethane reveal increasing nucleophilic reactivity at the anilido ligand in the order (SIPr)Cu(NHPh) < (IPr)Cu(NHPh) < (IMes)Cu(NHPh) < (dtbpe)Cu(NHPh) [dtbpe = 1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)ethane]. DFT calculations suggest that the HOMO for the series of Cu anilido complexes is localized primarily on the amido nitrogen with some ppi(anilido)-dpi(Cu) pi-character. [(IPr)Cu(mu-H)]2 and (IPr)Cu(Ph) react with aniline to quantitatively produce (IPr)Cu(NHPh)/dihydrogen and (IPr)Cu(NHPh)/benzene, respectively. Analysis of the DFT calculations reveals that the conversion of [(IPr)Cu(mu-H)]2 and aniline to (IPr)Cu(NHPh) and dihydrogen is favorable with DeltaH approximately -7 kcal/mol and DeltaG approximately -9 kcal/mol.     

Group 9 complexes of an N-heterocycle carbene bearing a pentafluorobenzyl substituent: attempted dehydrofluorinative coupling of cyclopentadienyl and N-heterocycle carbene ligands

Treatment of N-methylimidazole with pentafluorobenzyl bromide produces 1-pentafluorobenzyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (1), which reacts with silver(I) oxide to give the N-heterocycle carbene (NHC) complex 1-pentafluorobenzyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene silver(I) bromide (2). Complex 2 acts as a carbene transfer reagent giving the complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)MCl₂(NHC)] (3a, M = Rh; 3b M = Ir) on reaction with [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)MCl(μ-Cl)]₂. An attempt to use intramolecular dehydrofluorinative coupling methodology to link the carbene and the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands of [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl(CN^tBu)(NHC)]BF₄ was unsuccessful.     

Mixed-ligand Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes on the basis of cyclometalated 2-phenylpyridine and polypyridyl ligands

¹H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were used for comparative study of the complexes [M(ppy)(dpz)]ClO₄, [M(ppy)ddpq]ClO₄, and [(M(ppy)₂(μ-tpbq)](ClO₄)₂ (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); ppy^? = deprotonated 2-phenylpyridine; dpz = 2,3-dipirydylpyrazine, ddpq = 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-dipyridylquinoxaline, tpbq = 2,2′,3,3′-tetrapyridyl-6,6′-biquinoline). The complexes feature trans arrangement of the pyridine moieties of the cyclometalated ppy and polypyridyl (N∧N) ligands. Steric interactions orient the noncoordinated pyridine moiety of the (N∧N) ligands orthogonally to the coordination plane of the complexes. One-electron reduction potentials and parameters of the absorption and luminescence spectra of the complexes were determined. It was shown in terms of the localized molecular orbital model that the LUMOs of the [M(ppy)dpz]+ complexes are primarily localized on the {M(ppy)} metal complex fragment. The presence of low-energy vacant π* orbitals in ddpq and tpbq results in that the LUMOs in the [M(ppy)ddpq] and [(M(ppy)₂ μ-tpbq]²⁺ complexes are localized on the polypyridyl (N∧N) ligand, which is responsible for highly efficient photoexcitation energy transfers [M(ppy)→ddpq]⁺ and [M(ppy) → (μ-tpbq)←M(ppy)]²⁺.     

Three-Coordinate Rhodium Complexes in Low Oxidation States

The isolation of simultaneously low-coordinate and low-valent compounds is a timeless challenge for preparative chemists. This work showcases the preparation and full characterization of tri-coordinate rhodium(-I) and rhodium(0) complexes as well as a rare rhodium(I) complex. Reduction of [{Rh(μ-Cl)(IPr)(dvtms)}₂] ( 1 , IPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolyl-2-ylidene; dvtms=divinyltetramethyldisiloxane) with KC₈ gave the trigonal complexes K[Rh(IPr)(dvtms)] and [Rh(IPr)(dvtms)], whereas the cation [Rh(IPr)(dvtms)]⁺ results from their oxidation or by abstraction of chloride from 1 with silver salts. The paramagnetic Rh⁰ complex is a unique fully metal-centered radical with the unpaired electron in the d_z2 orbital. The Rh(-I) complex reacts with PPh₃ with replacement of the NHC ligand, and behaves as a nucleophile, which upon reaction with [AuCl(PPh₃)] generates the trigonal pyramidal complex [(IPr)(dvtms)Rh-Au(PPh₃)] with a metal–metal bond between two d¹⁰ metal centers.     

Development of versatile and silver-free protocols for gold(I) catalysis

The use of a versatile N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) gold(I) hydroxide precatalyst, [Au(OH)(IPr)], (IPr=N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) permits the in situ generation of the [Au(IPr)]⁺ ion by simple addition of a Brønsted acid. This cationic entity is believed to be the active species in numerous catalytic reactions. ¹H NMR studies in several solvent media of the in situ generation of this [Au(IPr)]⁺ ion also reveal the formation of a dinuclear gold hydroxide intermediate [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ‐OH)], which is fully characterized and was tested in gold(I) catalysis.     

Coordination Chemistry of a Bis(Tetrazine) Tweezer: A Case of Host-Guest Behavior with Silver Salts

The carbon-carbon cross-coupling of phenyl s-tetrazine (Tz) units at their ortho-phenyl positions allows the formation of constrained bis(tetrazines) with original tweezer structures. In these compounds, the face-to-face positioning of the central tetrazine cores is reinforced by π-stacking of the electron-poor nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic moieties. The resulting tetra-aromatic structure can be used as a weak coordinating ligand with cationic silver. This coordination generates a set of bis(tetrazine)-silver(I) coordination complexes tolerating a large variety of counter anions of various geometries, namely, PF₆⁻, BF₄⁻, SbF₆⁻, ClO₄⁻, NTf₂⁻, and OTf⁻. These compounds were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and in solution by ¹H-NMR, mass spectrometry, electroanalysis, and UV-visible absorption spectrophotometry. The X-ray crystal structure of complexes {[Ag(3)][PF₆]}_∞ (4) and {[Ag(3)][SbF₆]}_∞ (6), where 3 is 3,3′-[(1,1′-biphenyl)-2,2′-diyl]-6,6′-bis(phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, revealed the formation of 1D polymeric chains, characterized by an evolution to a large opening of the original tweezer and a coordination of silver(I) via two chelating nitrogen atom and some C=C π-interactions. Electrochemical and UV spectroscopic properties of the original tweezer and of the corresponding silver complexes are reported and compared. ¹H-NMR titrations with AgNTf₂ allowed the determination of the stoichiometry and apparent stability of two solution species, namely [Ag(3)]⁺ and [Ag(3)₂]²⁺, that formed in CDCl₃/CD₃OD 2:1 v/v mixtures.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of Cationic Gold Diarylallenylidene Complexes

Methoxide abstraction from gold acetylide complexes of the form (L)Au[η¹‐C≡CC(OMe)ArAr′] (L=IPr, P(^tBu)₂(ortho‐biphenyl); Ar/Ar′=C₆H₄X where X=H, Cl, Me, OMe) with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) at −78 °C resulted in the formation of the corresponding cationic gold diarylallenylidene complexes [(L)Au=C=C=CArAr′]⁺ OTf⁻ in ≥85±5 % yield according to ¹H NMR analysis. ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis of these complexes established the arene‐dependent delocalization of positive charge on both the C1 and C3 allenylidene carbon atoms. The diphenylallenylidene complex [(IPr)Au=C=C=CPh₂]⁺ OTf⁻ reacted with heteroatom nucleophiles at the allenylidene C1 and/or C3 carbon atom.     

An N-heterocyclic carbene adduct of diatomic tin, :Sn[double bond, length as m-dash]Sn:

Reduction of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) adduct of SnCl(2), viz. [(IPr)SnCl(2)] (IPr = :C{N(Dip)C(H)}(2); Dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl), with a magnesium(i) dimer, has afforded the first NHC complex of a row 5 element in its diatomic form, [(IPr)Sn[double bond, length as m-dash]Sn(IPr)]; a computational analysis of the complex indicates that it comprises a singlet state, doubly bonded tin(0) fragment, :Sn[double bond, length as m-dash]Sn:, datively bonded by two NHC ligands.     

Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Transformations: Stepwise CO2 Insertions into Bridging Hydrides of [(NHC)CuH]2 Complexes

Mechanistic studies of substrate insertion into dimeric [(NHC)CuH]₂ (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes with two bridging hydrides have been shown to require dimer dissociation to generate transient, highly reactive (NHC)Cu−H monomers in solution. Using single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) transformations, we discovered a new pathway of stepwise insertion of CO₂ into [(NHC)CuH]₂ without complete dissociation of the dimer. The first CO₂ insertion into dimeric [(IPr*OMe)CuH]₂ (IPr*OMe=N,N′-bis(2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene) produced a dicopper formate hydride [(IPr*OMe)Cu]₂(μ-1,3-O₂CH)(μ-H). A second CO₂ insertion produced a dicopper bis(formate), [(IPr*OMe)Cu]₂(μ-1,3-O₂CH)(μ-1,1-O₂CH), containing two different bonding modes of the bridging formate. These dicopper formate complexes are inaccessible from solution reactions since the dicopper core cleanly ruptures to monomeric complexes when dissolved in a solvent.     

Synthesis,structure, and properties of the Sc chloride complex coordinated by the tridentate bis(phenolate)-tethered NHC ligand

The scandium chloride complex LScCl(py)₂ (L is bis[(2,4-di-tert-butyl)phenolato]-6,6′-(4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene)) containing the dianionic bis(phenolate)-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand was synthesized. The X-ray diffraction study demonstrated that the complex has a mononuclear structure with intramolecular coordination of the carbene moiety to the Sc³⁺ ion. In the presence of moist air, the NHC moiety is hydrolyzed, resulting in the formation of the chloride complex [L’ScCl(py)]₂ with the dianionic tetradentate bis(phenolate) ligand containing the [NH(CH)₂N(HC=O)] linker. The binuclear complex [L’ScClpy]₂ is formed through the coordination of the oxygen atom of the formylethylenediamine moiety to the second Sc³⁺ ion.

     

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Gold-Catalyzed Hydroamination of 1,1-Dimethylallene with N-Methylaniline

The mechanism of the intermolecular hydroamination of 3-methylbuta-1,2-diene ( 1 ) with N-methylaniline ( 2 ) catalyzed by (IPr)AuOTf has been studied by employing a combination of kinetic analysis, deuterium labelling studies, and in situ spectral analysis of catalytically active mixtures. The results of these and additional experiments are consistent with a mechanism for hydroamination involving reversible, endergonic displacement of N-methylaniline from [(IPr)Au(NHMePh)]⁺ ( 4 ) by allene to form the cationic gold π-C1,C2-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η²-H₂C=C=CMe₂)]⁺ ( I ), which is in rapid, endergonic equilibrium with the regioisomeric π-C2,C3-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η²-Me₂C=C=CH₂)]⁺ ( I′ ). Rapid and reversible outer-sphere addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I′ to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CH₂)CMe₂NMePh] ( II ) is superimposed on the slower addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CMe₂)CH₂NMePh] ( III ). Selective protodeauration of III releases N-methyl-N-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)aniline ( 3 a ) with regeneration of 4 . At high conversion, gold vinyl complex II is competitively trapped by an (IPr)Au⁺ fragment to form the cationic bis(gold) vinyl complex {[(IPr)Au]₂[C(=CH₂)CMe₂NMePh]}⁺ ( 6 ).     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of Cationic Gold Diarylallenylidene Complexes

Methoxide abstraction from gold acetylide complexes of the form (L)Au[η¹‐C≡CC(OMe)ArAr′] (L=IPr, P(^tBu)₂(ortho‐biphenyl); Ar/Ar′=C₆H₄X where X=H, Cl, Me, OMe) with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) at ?78 °C resulted in the formation of the corresponding cationic gold diarylallenylidene complexes [(L)Au=C=C=CArAr′]⁺ OTf^? in ≥85±5 % yield according to ¹H NMR analysis. ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis of these complexes established the arene‐dependent delocalization of positive charge on both the C1 and C3 allenylidene carbon atoms. The diphenylallenylidene complex [(IPr)Au=C=C=CPh₂]⁺ OTf^? reacted with heteroatom nucleophiles at the allenylidene C1 and/or C3 carbon atom.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of linear Au(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: New analogues of the Au(I) phosphine drug Auranofin

The synthesis and characterisation of a series of neutral Au(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [(NHC)AuX] (X = Cl and 2′,3′,4′,6′-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1-thiolato) are reported. The chloro complexes were synthesised either by reaction of the appropriate 1,3-dialkylimidazol-2-ylidene with [(Me₂S)AuCl] or by transmetallation between the appropriate Ag(I)–NHC complex and [(Me₂S)AuCl]. The 2′,3′,4′,6′-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1-thiolato complexes were prepared from the appropriate [(NHC)Au(I)Cl] complex and 2′,3′,4′,6′-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-β-d-glucopyranose under basic conditions. A cationic Au(I)–NHC triphenylphosphine adduct was also prepared. Structural studies (X-ray diffraction) of a number of the complexes show that in each case the gold atom is (quasi-) linearly two-coordinate, having C–Au–Cl, C–Au–S or C–Au–P coordination. In one case, a new phase of [(Cy₂Im)AuCl], the molecules pack pair-wise with a close Au⋯Au interaction (3.1566(6) Å). Preliminary studies show this complex is luminescent in the solid state.     

IPr# – highly hindered,broadly applicable N-heterocyclic carbenes

IPr (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) represents the most important NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand throughout the field of homogeneous catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis, catalytic activity, and full structural and electronic characterization of novel, sterically-bulky, easily-accessible NHC ligands based on the hash peralkylation concept, including IPr#, Np# and BIAN-IPr#. The new ligands have been commercialized in collaboration with Millipore Sigma: IPr#HCl, 915653; Np#HCl; 915912; BIAN-IPr#HCl, 916420, enabling broad access of the academic and industrial researchers to new ligands for reaction optimization and screening. In particular, the synthesis of IPr# hinges upon cost-effective, modular alkylation of aniline, an industrial chemical that is available in bulk. The generality of this approach in ligand design is demonstrated through facile synthesis of BIAN-IPr# and Np#, two ligands that differ in steric properties and N-wingtip arrangement. The broad activity in various cross-coupling reactions in an array of N–C, O–C, C–Cl, C–Br, C–S and C–H bond cross-couplings is demonstrated. The evaluation of steric, electron-donating and π-accepting properties as well as coordination chemistry to Au(i), Rh(i) and Pd(ii) is presented. Given the tremendous importance of NHC ligands in homogenous catalysis, we expect that this new class of NHCs will find rapid and widespread application.

We report novel, sterically-bulky, easily-accessible NHC ligands based on the hash peralkylation concept. The new ligands have been commercialized in collaboration with Millipore Sigma: IPr#HCl, 915653; Np#HCl; 915912; BIAN-IPr#HCl, 916420.     

Rhodium(I) complexes containing a bulky pyridinyl N-heterocyclic carbene ligand: Preparation and reactivity

Coordination chemistry of a new pyridine imidazole-2-ylidene ligand (pyN^∧C) system with sterically hindered substituents toward rhodium(I) metal ions has been investigated. The rhodium complex [(pyN^∧C)RhCl(COD)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) was prepared via the transmetallation from the silver complex [(C-pyN^∧C)₂Ag]AgI₂. Upon the abstraction of chloride, the pyridinyl nitrogen coordinated to the metal center and formed [(C,N-pyN^∧C)Rh(COD)]BF₄ with the chelation of pyN^∧C. The pyridinyl nitrogen donor was found to be labile and could be replaced by various donors such as phosphine, azide and halides. Substitution of COD by various donors does not proceed except strong π-acid ligands such as CO and P(OCH₃)₃. However, the chelation of pyN^∧C was replaced by the bisphosphine (P∼P) to form [(P∼P)₂Rh]BF₄, which was subsequently oxidized to yield [(P∼P)₂Rh(O₂)]BF₄.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, reactivity, and photochemistry of gold(III) bromides bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes

Gold(I) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) of the type (NHC)AuBr (3a/3b) [NHC = 1-methyl-3-benzylimidazol-2-ylidene (= MeBnIm), and 1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene (= Bn(2)Im)] are prepared by transmetallation reactions of (tht)AuBr (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) and (NHC)AgBr (2a/2b). The homoleptic, ionic complexes [(NHC)(2)Au]Br (6a/6b) are synthesized by the reaction with free carbene. Successive oxidation of 3a/3b and 6a/6b with bromine gave the respective (NHC)AuBr(3) (4a/4b) and [(NHC)(2)AuBr(2)]Br (7a/7b) in good overall yields as yellow powders. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reactions of the Au(III) complexes towards anionic ligands like carboxylates, phenolates and thiophenolates were investigated and result in a complete or partial reduction to a Au(I) complex. Irradiation of the Au(III) complexes with UV light yield the Au(I) congeners in a clean photo-reaction.