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Updated: May 30, 2026
10:44
Isolating Free Carbenes, their Mixed Dimers and Organic Radicals
Published on: April 19, 2019
Distinguishing carbones from allenes by complexation to AuCl
Catharine Esterhuysen1, Gernot Frenking
1Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa. ce@sun.ac.za
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 26, 2011
Summary
This study reveals how different dicoordinated carbon compounds, including carbones and allenes, interact with gold chloride (AuCl) complexes. The findings highlight unique bonding behaviors and reactivity, offering insights into "hidden" carbene characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organometallic chemistry
Background:
- Dicoordinated carbon compounds exhibit diverse chemical behaviors.
- Understanding metal-ligand interactions is crucial for novel material synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the differences in chemical behavior between carbones, allenes, and carbenes.
- To investigate the bonding and metal-ligand interactions in mono- and diaurated complexes.
Main Methods:
- Quantum chemical calculations were employed.
- Geometries of complexes were optimized.
- Energy decomposition analysis was used to study metal-ligand interactions.
Main Results:
- Carbones bind AuCl in η(1) fashion, while allenes bind in η(2) fashion.
- Tetraaminoallenes display chameleon-like behavior, acting as both allenes and hidden carbones.
- N-heterocyclic carbene complexes show varying bond strengths with AuCl.
Conclusions:
- The coordination mode of AuCl complexes reflects the carbone or allene character.
- Dicoordinated carbon compounds exhibit unique bonding characteristics with gold.
- The study provides a foundation for understanding the synthesis and reactivity of these complexes.
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