Volatile dimethylgold(III) complex with di-iso-butyldithiophosphinate ligand: synthesis,structure, and thermal behavior in condensed and gas phase

Synthesis and molecular structure of air stable, low-melting dimethylgold(III) complex with dithiophosphinate (CH₃)₂AuS₂PⁱBu² (ⁱBu=CH₂CH(CH₃)₂), its thermal properties, and the features as precursor for the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition of gold films are reported. Thermal behavior of the compound in the condensed and gas phase was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. Pathways of heterogeneous thermolysis of the compound to elemental gold are discussed. It was found that α-P–H elimination followed by coupling of two alkenyl groups from the coordinated ligand is one of the main thermolysis pathways in condensed and gas phase.