Gold and silver complexes with the ferrocenyl phosphine FcCH2PPh2

Linear gold(I) and silver(I) complexes with the ferrocenyl phosphine FcCH2PPh2 [Fc = (eta5-C5H5)Fe(eta5-C5H4)] of the types [AuR(PPh2CH2Fc)], [M(PPh3)(PPh2CH2Fc)]OTf, and [M(PPh2CH2Fc)2]OTf (M = Au, Ag) have been obtained. Three-coordinate gold(I) and silver(I) derivatives of the types [AuCl(PPh2CH2Fc)2] and [M(PPh2CH2Fc)3]X (M = Au, X = ClO4; M = Ag, X = OTf) have been obtained from the corresponding gold and silver precursors in the appropriate molar ratio, although some of them are involved in equilibria in solution. The crystal structures of [AuR(PPh2CH2Fc)] (R = Cl, C6F5), [AuL(PPh2CH2Fc)]OTf (L = PPh3, FcCH2PPh2), [Au(C6F5)3(PPh2CH2Fc)], and [Ag(PPh2CH2Fc)3]OTf have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Ability of a Au(III)-N unit to bond two aurophilically interacting gold(I) centers

The monohapto neutral 2-(diphenylphosphino)aniline (PNH(2)) complexes [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)X(PNH(2))] (X = C(6)F(5) (1), Cl (2)) have been obtained from [Au(C(6)F(5))(3)(tht)] or [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)(micro-Cl)](2) and PNH(2), and the cationic [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)(PNH(2))]ClO(4) (3) has been similarly prepared from [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)(OEt(2))(2)]ClO(4) and PNH(2) or from 2 and AgClO(4). The neutral amido complex [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)(PNH)] (4) can be obtained by deprotonation of 3 with PPN(acac) (acac = acetylacetonate) or by treatment of the chloro complex 2 with Tl(acac). It reacts with [Ag(OClO(3))(PPh(3))] or [Au(OClO(3))(PPh(3))] to give the dinuclear species [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)[PNH(MPPh(3))]]ClO(4) (M = Ag (5), Au (6)). The latter can also be obtained by reaction of equimolar amounts of 3 and [Au(acac)(PPh(3))]; when the molar ratio of the same reagents is 1:2, the trinuclear cationic complex [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)[PN(AuPPh(3))(2)]]ClO(4) (7) is obtained. The crystal structures of complexes 2-4 and 7 have been established by X-ray crystallography; the last-mentioned displays an unusual Au(I)-Au(III) interaction.     

Theoretical and photoluminescence studies on the d10-s2 AuI-TlI interaction in extended unsupported chains

The reactions of solutions of TlPF(6) and OPPh(3) in tetrahydrofuran or acetone with NBu(4)[AuR(2)] (R=C(6)Cl(5), C(6)F(5)) gave the new complexes [Au(C(6)Cl(5))(2)](2)[Tl(OPPh(3))][Tl(OPPh(3))(L)] (L=THF (1), acetone (2)) and the previously reported [Tl(OPPh(3))(2)][Au(C(6)F(5))(2)] (3). The crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 display extended unsupported chains with short intermolecular interactions between alternating gold(I) and thallium(I) centres. Moreover, the Tl(I) centres show two different types of geometrical environments, such as pseudotetrahedral and distorted trigonal-bipyramidal, due to the presence of solvent molecules that act as ligands in the solid-state structure. Quasirelativistic and nonrelativistic ab initio calculations were performed to study the nature of the intermetallic Au(I)-Tl(I) interactions and are consistent with the presence of a high ionic contribution (80 %) and dispersion-type (van der Waals) interaction with a charge-transfer contribution (20 %) when relativistic effects are taken into account. All complexes are luminescent in the solid state at room temperature and at 77 K. Complexes 1 and 2 show site-selective excitation, probably due to the different environments around the Tl(I) centres. The DFT and time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations are in agreement with the experimental excitation spectra for all complexes and confirm the site-selective excitation behaviour as a function of the Tl(I) geometrical environment.     

Luminescent goldI carbenes from 2-pyridylisocyanide complexes: structural consequences of intramolecular versus intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions

Isocyanide [AuX(CNPy-2)] (X = Cl, C6F5, fluoromesityl, 1/2 octafluorobiphenyl) and carbene [AuX{C(NR1R2)(NHPy-2)}] (R1R2NH = primary or secondary amines or 1/2 primary diamine) gold(I) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. For X = Cl, the carbene complexes show aurophilic interactions. The fragment NHPy-2, formed in the carbenes, can give rise to intra- (for primary amines) or intermolecular (for secondary amines) hydrogen bonds, depending on the amine used. These bonds and contacts have been studied in the solid state and in solution. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds are split in an acetone solution, but the intramolecular ones, which close a six-membered ring, survive in solution. Except for the fluoromesityl derivatives, the carbene complexes display luminescent properties.     

Organometallic gold(III) compounds as catalysts for the addition of water and methanol to terminal alkynes

Different inorganic and organometallic gold(III) and gold(I) complexes have been tested in the addition of water and methanol to terminal alkynes. Anionic and neutral organometallic gold(III) compounds can efficiently mediate these reactions in neutral media in refluxing methanol. The compounds are added in catalytic amounts (1.6-4.5 mol % with respect to the alkyne). Thus, compounds of the general formula Q[AuRCl(3)], Q[AuR(2)Cl(2)], [AuRCl(2)](2), and [AuR(2)Cl](2) (Q = BzPPh(3)(+), PPN: N(PPh(3))(2)(+) or N(Bu)(4)(+); R = C(6)F(5) or 2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)C(6)H(2)) seem to behave as Lewis acids in nucleophilic additions to triple bonds. Some intermediates could be detected in the stoichiometric reaction between [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)Cl](2) and phenylacetylene that was followed by variable temperature (1)H, (19)F[(1)H], COSY (19)F[(1)H]-(19)F[(1)H], and (2)H[(1)H] NMR experiments. Compound [Au(C(6)F(5))(2)Cl](2) is also able to catalyze the hydration of phenylacetylene at room temperature. A plausible mechanism for the hydration reaction has been proposed.     

Synthesis, structure, and photophysical studies of luminescent two- and three-dimensional gold-thallium supramolecular arrays

The reactions of tetrahydrofuran solutions of NBu(4)[AuR(2)] (R = C(6)F(5), C(6)Cl(5)) with TlPF(6) and 4,4'-bipyridine lead to the synthesis of the luminescent materials [Tl(bipy)](2)[Au(C(6)F(5))(2)](2) 1 and [Tl(bipy)][Tl(bipy)(0.5)(thf)][Au(C(6)Cl(5))(2)](2) 2 in high yield. The structures of these complexes, as analyzed by X-ray diffraction, consist of planar polymers formed by repetition of Tl-Au-Au-Tl (1) or Tl-Au-Tl'-Au (2) moieties linked through bidentate bridging bipy ligands. In complex 1 these layers are associated via Tl...F contacts between atoms of adjacent planes, whereas in complex 2 each two polymeric layers are linked through additional bridging bipy molecules. Both complexes are strongly luminescent at room temperature and at 77 K in the solid state, losing this characteristic in solution even at high concentrations. The luminescence is attributed to interactions between metal atoms which are strongly affected by their structural dispositions. DFT calculations are in accord with the observed experimental behavior, showing the nature of the orbitals involved in each transition. Detailed analyses reveal a substantial participation of the metals in the transition giving rise to the emission maxima, and also other more energetic bands in which the ligands are involved and which also give rise to these emissions. The obtained theoretical excitation spectra clearly match the experimental results.     

Synthesis of luminescent gold(I) and gold(III) complexes with a triphosphine ligand

We have synthesized and characterized a series of trinuclear gold(I) complexes [(AuX)(3)(mu-triphos)] (triphos = bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine; X = Cl 1, Br 2, I 3, C(6)F(5) 4) and di- and trinuclear gold(III) complexes [[Au(C(6)F(5))(3)](n)(mu-triphos)] (n = 2 (5), 3 (6)). The crystal structure of 6 [[Au(C(6)F(5))(3)](3)(mu-triphos)] has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies, which show the triphosphine in a conformation resulting in very long gold-gold distances, probably associated with the steric requirements of the tris(pentafluorophenyl)gold(III) units. Complex 6 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P(-1) with a = 12.7746(16) A, b = 18.560(2) A, c = 21.750(3) A, alpha = 98.215(3) degrees, beta = 101.666(3) degrees, gamma = 96.640(3) degrees, and Z = 2. Chloride substitutions in complex 1 afford trinuclear gold(I) complexes [(AuX)(3)(mu-triphos)] (X = Fmes (1,3,5-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) 7, p-SC(6)H(4)Me 8, SCN 9) and [Au(3)Cl(3)(-)(n)()(S(2)CNR(2))(n)(mu-triphos)] (R = Me, n = 3 (10), 2 (12), 1 (14); R = CH(2)Ph, n = 3 (11), 2 (13), 1 (15)). The luminescence properties of these complexes in the solid state have been studied; at low temperature most of them are luminescent, including the gold(III) derivative 6, with the intensity and the emission maxima being clearly influenced by the nature and the number of the ligands bonded to the gold centers.     

1,1-ethylenedithiolato complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) with isocyanide and carbene ligands

The reactions of [Tl(2)[S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)]](n) with [MCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] and CNR (1:1:2) give complexes [M[eta(2)-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CNR)(2)] [R = (t)Bu, M = Pd (1a), Pt (1b); R = C(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6 (Xy), M = Pd (2a), Pt (2b)]. Compound 1b reacts with AgClO(4) (1:1) to give [[Pt(CN(t)Bu)(2)](2)Ag(2)[mu(2),eta(2)-(S,S')-[S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](2)]](ClO(4))(2) (3). The reactions of 1 or 2 with diethylamine give mixed isocyanide carbene complexes [M[eta(2)-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CNR)[C(NEt(2))(NHR)]] [R = (t)Bu, M = Pd (4a), Pt (4b); R = Xy, M = Pd (5a), Pt (5b)] regardless of the molar ratio of the reagents. The same complexes react with an excess of ammonia to give [M[eta(2)-(S,S')-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)](CN(t)Bu)[C(NH(2))(NH(t)Bu)]] [M = Pd (6a), Pt (6b)] or [M[eta(2)-(S,S')-S(2)C=C[C(O)Me](2)][C(NH(2))(NHXy)](2)] [M = Pd (7a), Pt (7b)] probably depending on steric factors. The crystal structures of 2b, 4a, and 4b have been determined. Compounds 4a and 4b are isostructural. They all display distorted square planar metal environments and chelating planar E,Z-2,2-diacetyl-1,1-ethylenedithiolato ligands that coordinate through the sulfur atoms.     

Selenolate gold complexes with aurophilic Au(I)-Au(I) and Au(I)-Au(III) interactions

The gold(I) selenolate compound [Au(2)(SePh)(2)(mu-dppf)] (dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) has been prepared by reaction of [Au(2)Cl(2)(mu-dppf)] with PhSeSiMe(3) in a molar ratio 1:2. This complex reacts with gold(I) or gold(III) derivatives to give polynuclear gold(I)-gold(I) or gold(I)-gold(III) complexes of the type [Au(4)(mu-SePh)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(mu-dppf)](OTf)(2), [Au(3)(C(6)F(5))(3)(mu-SePh)(2)(mu-dppf)], or [Au(4)(C(6)F(5))(6)(mu-SePh)(2)(mu-dppf)], with bridging selenolate ligands. The reaction of [Au(2)(SePh)(2)(mu-dppf)] with 1 equiv of AgOTf leads to the formation of the insoluble Ag(SePh) and the compound [Au(2)(mu-SePh)(mu-dppf)]OTf. The complexes [Au(4)(C(6)F(5))(6)(mu-SePh)(2)(mu-dppf)] and [Au(2)(mu-SePh)(mu-dppf)]OTf (two different solvates) have been characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and show the presence of weak gold(I)-gold(III) interactions in the former and intra- and intermolecular gold(I)-gold(I) inter-actions in the later.     

Synthesis and structure of new carborane-substituted cyclotriphosphazenes

The reactions of [N(3)P(3)Cl(6)] with one, two, or three equivalents of the difunctional 1,2-closo-carborane C(2)B(10)H(10)[CH(2)OH](2) and K(2)CO(3) in acetone have been investigated. These reactions led to the new spiro-closo-carboranylphosphazenes gem-[N(3)P(3)Cl(6-2n)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](n)] (n=1 (1), 2 (2)) and the first fully carborane-substituted phosphazene gem-[N(3)P(3)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](3)] (3). A bridged product, non-gem-[N(3)P(3)Cl(4)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (4), was also detected. The reaction of the well-known spiro derivatives [N(3)P(3)Cl(2)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)] and [N(3)P(3)Cl(4)(O(2)C(12)H(8))] with the same carborane-diol and K(2)CO(3) in acetone gave the new compounds gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(3-n)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](n)] (n=1 (5) or 2 (6), respectively), without signs of intra- or intermolecularly bridged species. Upon treatment with NEt(3) in acetone, compound 5 was converted into the corresponding nido-carboranylphosphazene. However, the reaction of gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (5) with NEt(3) in ethanol instead of acetone proceeded in a different manner to give the new compound (NHEt(3))(2)[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)(O)[OCH(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3)]] (7). For compounds with two 2,2'-dioxybiphenyl units, gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (5), (NHEt(3))[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)]] (8), and (NHEt(3))(2)[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)(O)[OCH(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3)]] (7), a mixture of different stereoisomers may be expected. However, for 5 and 7 only the meso compounds seem to be formed, with the same (R,S)-configuration as in the precursor [N(3)P(3)Cl(2)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)]. The reaction of 5 to give 8 seems to proceed with a change of configuration at one phosphorus center, giving a racemic mixture. The crystal structures of the nido-carboranylphosphazenes 7 and 8 have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Gold(I) complexes with hydrogen-bond supported heterocyclic carbenes as active catalysts in reactions of 1,6-enynes

Complexes [AuCl{C(NHR)(NHPy-2)}] (Py-2 ) 2-pyridyl; R ) Me, tBu, nBu, iPr, nheptyl) have been prepared in amodular way from [AuCl(CNPy-2)]. The carbene moiety has a hydrogen-bond supported heterocyclic structure similar to the nitrogen heterocyclic carbenes in the solid state, and in CH2Cl2 or acetone solution, which is open in the presence of MeOH. The compounds are good catalysts for the skeletal rearrangement of enynes, and for the methoxycyclization of enynes. In contrast, the complexes [AuCl{C(NHR)(NHPy-4)}] are scarcely active due to the blocking effect of the coordination position required for the catalysis by the nitrogen of the NHPy-4 group.     

Intensely luminescent homoleptic alkynyl decanuclear gold(I) clusters and their cationic octanuclear phosphine derivatives

Treatment of Au(SC(4)H(8))Cl with a stoichiometric amount of hydroxyaliphatic alkyne in the presence of NEt(3) results in high-yield self-assembly of homoleptic clusters (AuC(2)R)(10) (R = 9-fluorenol (1), diphenylmethanol (2), 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol (3), 3-methyl-2-butanol (4), 4-methyl-2-pentanol (4), 1-cyclohexanol (6), 2-borneol (7)). The molecular compounds contain an unprecedented catenane metal core with two interlocked 5-membered rings. Reactions of the decanuclear clusters 1-7 with gold-diphosphine complex [Au(2)(1,4-PPh(2)-C(6)H(4)-PPh(2))(2)](2+) lead to octanuclear cationic derivatives [Au(8)(C(2)R)(6)(PPh(2)-C(6)H(4)-PPh(2))(2)](2+) (8-14), which consist of planar tetranuclear units {Au(4)(C(2)R)(4)} coupled with two fragments [AuPPh(2)-C(6)H(4)-PPh(2)(AuC(2)R)](+). The titled complexes were characterized by NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy, and the structures of 1, 13, and 14 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The luminescence behavior of both Au(I)(10) and Au(I)(8) families has been studied, revealing efficient room-temperature phosphorescence in solution and in the solid state, with the maximum quantum yield approaching 100% (2 in solution). DFT computational studies showed that in both Au(I)(10) and Au(I)(8) clusters metal-centered Au → Au charge transfer transitions mixed with some π-alkynyl MLCT character play a dominant role in the observed phosphorescence.     

1,2,3,4-Tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane,a highly versatile cyclocarbaphosphine ligand: reactions with activated triosmium clusters and characterization of the products

Reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,2,3,4-tetraphospholane (I) with [Os(3)(CO)(11)(NCMe)] at ambient temperature affords substituted clusters: the monosubstituted trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(11)[(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (1) and the isomeric linked bis-trinuclear clusters [[Os(3)(CO)(11)](2)[mu-1,4-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (2) and [[Os(3)(CO)(11)](2)[mu-1,3-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (3). Clusters 2 and 3 can also be prepared by further reaction of 1 with [Os(3)(CO)(11)(NCMe)]. The reaction at 100 degrees C gives, apart from cluster 2, the disubstituted 1,4-bridged trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(10)[mu-1,4-eta(2)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (4). The conversion of 1 into 4 can be achieved through the pyrolysis of a solution of 1. When 1 reacts with an equimolar amount of [Os(3)(CO)(10)(mu-H)(2)] at 100 degrees C in toluene, the 1,2,4-linked bis-trinuclear cluster [Os(3)(CO)(11)[mu(3)-1,2,4-eta(3)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]Os(3)(CO)(8)(mu-H)(2)] (5) is obtained. When I reacts with a 2-fold molar amount of [Os(3)(CO)(10)(mu-H)(2)], the 1,2,3,4-linked bis-trinuclear hydride cluster [[Os(3)(CO)(8)(mu-H)(2)](2)[mu(4)-1,2,3,4-eta(4)-(PPh)(4)CH(2)]] (6) is obtained. Cluster 1 exists as two conformational isomers (1y and 1r) in the crystalline state, due to different conformational arrangements of pseudoaxial carbonyls in the cluster. Cluster 3 shows two interconvertible conformers (3y and 3r) due to the inversion of the configuration of the uncoordinated outer phosphorus atom, and a pair of enantiomers exists in 3r. All of the new compounds obtained have been characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques, and their structures have been established by X-ray crystallography.     

Towards carbohydrate derivatives of the ReI(CO)3 fragment

With the [Re(CO)(3)Br(3)](2-) ion as a precursor for the Re(I)(CO)(3) fragment, the diols (1R,2R)-cyclohexane-1,2-diol [(1R,2R)-Chxd], anhydroerythritol (AnEryt), and (1S,2S)-cyclopentane-1,2-diol [(1S,2S)-Cptd] form dinuclear monoanions in the salts (NBu(4))[(Re(2)(CO)(6){mu-(1R,2R)-ChxdH(-1)}(3)] (1), [K([18]crown-6)][Re(2)(CO)(6)(mu-OMe)(2)(mu-AnErytH(-1))] (2) and (NBu(4))[Re(2)(CO)(6){mu-(1S,2S)-CptdH(-1)}(3)] (3). The monoanionic diolato ligands in these triply bridged dirhenates(I) are monodentate. Bridging triolato ligation in the trirhenates(I) is supported by the anions of glycerol (Glyc) and methyl beta-D-ribopyranoside (Me-beta-D-Ribp), the latter binding in its (1)C(4) conformation, in (DBUH)(2)[Re(3)(CO)(9)(mu(3)-O)(mu(3)-GlycH(-3))]0.5 MeCN (4 a), (NEt(4))[Re(3)(CO)(9)(mu(3)-OMe)(mu(3)-GlycH(-3))] (4 b) and (DBUH)[Re(3)(CO)(9)(mu(3)-OMe)(mu(3)-(1)C(4)-Me-beta-D-Ribp2,3,4H(-3))] (5). The chiral sugar alcohols L-threitol (L-Thre) and D-arabitol (D-Arab) act as tetra- and pentadentate ligands, respectively, in (NEt(4))[Re(2)(CO)(6)(L-ThreH(-3))]MeCN (6) and (NEt(4))(2)(DBUH)(2)[Re(6)(CO)(18)(D-ArabH(-5))(2)] (7). Complexes 6 and 7 are free of supporting oxo or methoxo ligands and use solely the O-atom pattern of the polyol for the connection of the Re(I)(CO)(3) moieties.     

Structural, electronic, optical, and chiroptical properties of small thiolated gold clusters: the case of Au6 and Au8 cores protected with dimer [Au2(SR)3] and trimer [Au3(SR)4)] motifs

We report results of a theoretical study, based on density functional theory (DFT), on the structural, electronic, optical, and chiroptical properties of small thiolated gold clusters, [Au(n)(SR)(m) (n = 12-15, 16-20; m = 9-12, 12-16)]. Some of these clusters correspond to those recently synthesized with the surfactant-free method. To study the cluster physical properties, we consider two cluster families with Au(6) and Au(8) cores, respectively, covered with dimer [Au(2)(SR)(3)] and trimer [Au(3)(SR)(4)] (CH(3) being the R group) motifs or their combinations. Our DFT calculations show, by comparing the relaxed structures of the [Au(6)[Au(2)(SR)(3)](3)](+), [Au(6)[Au(2)(SR)(3)](2)[Au(3)(SR)(4)]](+), [Au(6)[Au(2)(SR)(3)][Au(3)(SR)(4)](2)](+), and [Au(6)[Au(3)(SR)(4)](3)](+) cationic clusters, that there is an increasing distortion in the Au(6) core as each dimer is replaced by a longer trimer motif. For the clusters in the second family, Au(8)[Au(3)(SR)(4)](4), Au(8)[Au(2)(SR)(3)][Au(3)(SR)(4)](3), Au(8)[Au(2)(SR)(3)](2)[Au(3)(SR)(4)](2), Au(8)[Au(2)(SR)(3)](3)[Au(3)(SR)(4)], and Au(8)[Au(2)(SR)(3)](4), a smaller distortion of the Au(8) core is observed as dimer motifs are substituted by trimer ones. An interesting trend emerging from the present calculations shows that as the number of trimer motifs increases in the protecting layer of both Au(6) and Au(8) cores, the average of the interatomic Au(core)-S distances reduces. This shrinkage in the Au(core)-S distances is correlated with an increase of the cluster HOMO-LUMO (H-L) gap. From these results, it is predicted that a larger number of trimer motifs in the cluster protecting layer would induce larger H-L gaps. By analyzing the electronic transitions that characterize the optical absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the clusters under study, it is observed that the molecular orbitals involved are composed of comparable proportions of orbitals corresponding to atoms forming the cluster core and the protecting dimer and trimer motifs.     

Photosensitive azobispyridine gold(I) and silver(I) complexes

The neutral and cationic dinuclear gold(I) compounds [(μ-N-N)(AuR)(2)] (N-N = 2,2'-azobispyridine (2-abpy), 4,4'-azobispyridine (4-abpy); R = C(6)F(5), C(6)F(4)OC(12)H(25)-p, C(6)F(4)OCH(2)C(6)H(4)OC(12)H(25)-p) and [(μ-N-N){Au(PR(3))}(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) (N-N = 2-abpy, 4-abpy, R = Ph, Me) have been obtained by displacement of a weakly coordinated ligand by an azobispyridine ligand. The corresponding silver(I) dinuclear [(μ-2-abpy){Ag(CF(3)SO(3))(PPh(3))}(2)] and polynuclear [{Ag(CF(3)SO(3))(4-abpy)}(n)] compounds have been obtained. The molecular structures of [(μ-2-abpy){Au(PPh(3))}(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) and [(μ-4-abpy){Au(PMe(3))}(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2) have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and feature linear gold(I) centers coordinated by pyridyl groups, and non-coordinated azo groups. In contrast the X-ray structure of [(2-abpy){Ag(CF(3)SO(3))(PPh(3))}(2)] shows tetracoordinated silver(I) centers involving chelating N-N coordination by pyridyl and azo nitrogen atoms. The gold(I) compounds with a long alkoxy chain do not behave as liquid crystals, and decompose before their melting point. The soluble gold(I) derivatives are photosensitive in solution and isomerize to the cis azo isomer under UV irradiation, returning photochemically or thermally to the most stable initial trans isomer. The silver(I) derivative [(2-abpy){Ag(CF(3)SO(3))(PPh(3))}(2)] also photoisomerizes in solution under UV irradiation, showing that its solid state structure, which would block isomerization by azo coordination, is easily broken. These processes have been monitored by UV-vis absorption and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. All these compounds are non-emissive in the solid state, even at 77 K.     

New metalloligands [M(SC[O]Ph)(4)](-): synthesis and characterization of polymeric [A(MeCN)(x)[M(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] compounds (A = Li,Na and K; M = Ga and In; x = 0-2)

Exploiting the ability of the [M(SC[O]Ph)(4)](-) anion to behave like an anionic metalloligand, we have synthesized [Li[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (1), [Li[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (2), [Na[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (3), [Na(MeCN)[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (4), [K[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (5), and [K(MeCN)(2)[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (6) by reacting MX(3) and PhC[O]S(-)A(+) (M = Ga(III) and In(III); X = Cl(-) and NO(3)(-); and A = Li(I), Na(I), and K(I)) in the molar ratio 1:4. The structures of 2, 4, and 6 determined by X-ray crystallography indicate that they have a one-dimensional coordination polymeric structure, and structural variations may be attributed to the change in the alkali metal ion from Li(I) to Na(I) to K(I). Crystal data for 2 x 0.5MeCN x 0.25H(2)O: monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 24.5766(8) A, b = 13.2758(5) A, c = 19.9983(8) A, beta = 108.426(1) degrees, Z = 8, and V = 6190.4(4) A(3). Crystal data for 4: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 10.5774(7) A, b = 21.9723(15) A, c = 14.4196(10) A, beta = 110.121(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 3146.7(4) A(3). Crystal data for 6: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 12.307(3) A, b = 13.672(3) A, c = 20.575(4) A, beta = 92.356(4) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 3458.8(12) A(3). The thermal decomposition of these compounds indicated the formation of the corresponding AMS(2) materials.     

Synthesis and properties of gold alkene complexes. Crystal structure of [Au(bipy(oXyl))(eta(2)-CH(2)=CHPh)](PF(6)) and DFT calculations on the model cation [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)=CH(2))](+)

Unprecedented 16-electron gold(i) olefin complexes of general formula [Au(bipy(R,R'))(eta(2)-olefin)](PF(6)) and [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-diolefin)](PF(6))(2) (bipy(R,R') = 6-substituted-2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared by reaction of dinuclear gold(III) oxo complexes [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-O)(2)](PF(6))(2) with the appropriate olefin. The X-ray crystal structures of two mononuclear complexes (olefin = styrene) show in-plane coordination of the olefin and a C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond distance considerably lengthened with respect to the free olefin. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes are discussed and compared with those of analogous d(10) metal derivatives. Both structural and spectroscopic information indicate a substantial contribution of pi-back-donation to the Au-olefin bond in the three-coordinate species. Theoretical calculations carried out at the hybrid-DFT level on the model compound [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2))](+) show excellent agreement with the experimental findings giving in addition an estimate of a pi-back-bonding contribution higher than that of the sigma-bonding.     

Syntheses and characterization of some mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)]2-

Several mixed Te/Se polychalcogenide anions [Te(m)Se(n)](2-) were synthesized at 293 K by reactions between Te(n)(2-)and Se(n)(2-) anions in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of different-size ammonium or phosphonium cations, in some cases in the presence of metal species. The structures of these anions were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal structures of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] (1) and [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(7)] (2) consist, respectively, of one-dimensional infinite 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(6)(2-)] and 1(infinity)[Te(3)Se(7)(2-)] anionic chains separated by NEt(4)(+) cations. In compound 1, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(5) eight-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(5) ring has an "open book" conformation. The NMR spectrum of a DMF solution of [NEt(4)](2)[Te(3)Se(6)] crystals at 223 K shows (77)Se resonances at delta = 290, 349, and 771 ppm and a single (125)Te resonance at delta = 944.7 ppm. In compound 2, each chain comprises Te(3)Se(6) five- and six-membered rings bridged by Se atoms. The Te(3)Se(6) ring can be regarded as an inorganic analogue of bicyclononane. The anion of [PPh(4)](2)[Te(2)Se(2)] (4) contains a Se-Te-Te-Se chain with the terminal Se atoms trans to one another. The new compounds [PPN](2)[TeSe(10)] (3), [NMe(4)](2)[TeSe(3)].DMF (5), and [NEt(4)](2)[TeSe(3)] (6) contain known anions.     

Dinuclear gold(I) isocyanide complexes with luminescent properties, and displaying thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior

Dinuclear gold(I) complexes [mu-(4,4'-CN-R-NC){Au(C6F4OC4H9)}2] [R = 1,4-phenylene, n = 8; R = 4,4'-biphenylene, 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-biphenylene, 2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene, n = 4,6,8,10] have been prepared and their liquid crystal behavior and optical properties studied. Although the free ligands are not mesomorphic, all the gold(I) derivatives described, except the phenylisonitrilegold(I) derivative [mu-(1,4-CN-C6H4-NC){Au(C6F4OC8H17)}2], display liquid crystal behavior, giving rise to a nematic mesophase. The transition temperatures decrease in the order 4-4'-biphenylene > 2,2'-dichloro-4-4'-biphenylene > 2,2'dimethyl-4-4'-biphenylene. All compounds show photoluminescence in the solid state and in solution. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of [mu-(4,4'-CN-R-NC){Au(C6F4OCnH2n+1)}2] (R = 4-4'-biphenylene and 2,2'-dichloro-4-4'-biphenylene) have been determined confirming the rodlike structure of the molecule, with a linear coordination around the gold atoms. There are Au...Au interactions in the 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl derivative but not in the 4-4'-biphenyl compound.