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Published on: January 17, 2017
Cationic, two-coordinate gold π complexes
Rachel E M Brooner1, Ross A Widenhoefer
1French Family Science Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0346 (USA).
Recent advances have yielded cationic, two-coordinate gold(I) π complexes, crucial intermediates for gold catalysis. This review details their structure, bonding, and reactivity, expanding on prior knowledge of neutral gold complexes.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Neutral two-coordinate gold π complexes known for over 40 years.
- Cationic two-coordinate gold(I) π complexes relevant to catalysis were undocumented before 2006.
Purpose of the Study:
- Highlight recent advancements in cationic, two-coordinate gold(I) π complexes.
- Focus on the structure, bonding, and ligand exchange behavior of these complexes.
- Underscore their significance as intermediates in gold-catalyzed reactions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of cationic gold(I) π complexes.
- Structural analysis using X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques.
- Investigation of ligand exchange dynamics.
Main Results:
- Well-defined cationic two-coordinate gold π complexes with diverse ligands (alkene, alkyne, diene, allene, enol ether) have been synthesized.
- Detailed structural and bonding insights provided for these novel species.
- Ligand exchange behavior elucidated, crucial for catalytic applications.
Conclusions:
- Cationic, two-coordinate gold(I) π complexes are now well-established and catalytically relevant.
- These complexes offer new avenues for gold-catalyzed functionalization of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds.
- Continued research promises further expansion of their utility in organic synthesis.
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