Cluster chemistry: XVI. Synthesis and crystal structure of AuFe3(μ3-HCNBut)(CO)9(PPh3), an AuFe3 butterfly cluster

The reaction between AuCl(PPh₃ and Fe(μ₃-HCNBu^t)(CO)₉]^? gives AuFe₃(μ₃-HCNBu^t)(CO)₉(PPh₃), crystals of which are triclinic, space group P$\text{1}$, with a 12.815(3), b 16.265(4), c 19.106(3) Å, α 67.15(3), β 73.46(2), γ 73.12(2)° and Z = 4. The comlex contains an AuFe₃ “butterfly” cluster, the Fe₃ face of which is bridged by the HCNBu^t ligand bonded in the (2σ + π) mode on the side opposite to the Au(PPh₃) moiety, which, contrary to expectation based on the analogy with H, bridges the two Fe atoms σ-bonded to N, and π-bonded to the CN group. The AuFe₂/Fe₃ dihedral angles in the two independent molecules differ significantly, with values of 110.9 and 132.1°.