Synthesis, characterization, and X-ray structure determination of [Au18(P)2(PPh)4(PHPh)(dppm)6]Cl3

The reaction of [(AuCl)2dppm] (dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2) with PhP(SiMe3)2 and P(SiMe3)3 leads to the formation of the gold cluster compound [Au18(P)2(PPh)4(PHPh)(dppm)6]Cl3 (1). The crystal structure investigation shows a central Au7P2 unit formed by two P centered gold tetrahedra sharing the central gold corner. This central unit is surrounded by a 10-membered Au5P5 ring which, together with the remaining six gold atoms, builds two Au4P rectangular and two Au3P trigonal pyramids. The different structure motifs are connected by the phosphine ligands. The compound has been characterized using microanalysis, IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and 31P NMR techniques. Luminescence measurements have also been carried out.