Cationic Gold(III) Alkyl Complexes: Generation,Trapping, and Insertion of Norbornene

Migratory insertion of alkenes into gold–carbon bonds, a fundamental yet unprecedented organometallic transformation, has been investigated from a discrete (P,C) cyclometalated gold(III) dimethyl complex. Methide abstraction by B(C₆F₅)₃ is shown to generate a highly reactive cationic Au^III complex that evolves spontaneously by C₆F₅ transfer from boron. In the presence of norbornene, migratory insertion into the Au? C bond proceeds readily. The resulting norbornyl complex is efficiently trapped with pyridines or chloride to give stable four‐coordinate adducts.