The gold-hydrogen bond, Au-H, and the hydrogen bond to gold, Au∙∙∙H-X

Au-involving chalcogen bond in 4-(2-chalcophenyl)-1,2,3-triazolylidene Au(I) complexes: synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties

Noncovalent interactions, particularly chalcogen bonds (ChBs), have gained prominence in modern chemistry due to their tunability and directionality. We present a pioneering investigation of a d10 metal-involving ChB in triazolylidene Au(I) complexes. The crystal structures reveal the occurrence of intramolecular ChBs between Au(I) and chalcophene substituents positioned on the wingtip of triazolylidene ligands. The strength of these ChB interactions can be effectively modulated by altering the chalcophene moieties and ancillary ligands associated with Au(I). The neutral LAu(I)X complexes exhibit remarkable phosphorescence, with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) reaching up to 70% in the solid state, which is attributed to their rigid structure with intramolecular ChB interactions between the Au and chalcogen atoms. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to obtain insights into the nature of the ChB interactions.

Intramolecular Interactions between the Pnictogen Groups in a Rigid Ferrocene Phosphinostibine and the Corresponding Phosphine Chalcogenides, Stiboranes, and Their Complexes

Differences in the chemical properties of phosphorus and antimony enable the synthesis of heteroditopic derivatives whose properties can be modified by altering the pnictogen substituents. In this work, 1-(diphenylstibino)-2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocene, [Fe(η5-1-Ph2Sb-2-Cy2PC5H3)(η5-C5H5)] (1), and the corresponding phosphine chalcogenides [Fe(η5-1-Ph2Sb-2-Cy2P(E)C5H3)(η5-C5H5)] (E = O, S, Se) and catecholatostiboranes [Fe(η5-1-Ph2(Cl4C6O2)Sb-2-Cy2P(E)C5H3)(η5-C5H5)] (E = void, O, S, Se) were examined, with a focus on the intramolecular donor-acceptor interactions between the antimony and the phosphorus substituents. Experimental data and theoretical analysis consistently indicated that these interactions can be described as pnictogen bonding between the Lewis acidic antimony and the lone pair at the phosphorus substituent (either at the phosphorus or at the chalcogen atom) and that they are significantly stronger in the stiboranes due to the increased Lewis acidity of the Sb atom. Noncovalent interactions were also observed in the chlorogold(I) complexes obtained from 1 and catecholatostiborane [Fe(η5-1-Ph2(Cl4C6O2)Sb-2-Cy2PC5H3)(η5-C5H5)] as P-donors. As shown by experiments in Au-mediated cyclization of N-propargylbenzamide, the noncoordinated antimony group influenced the catalytic properties of the Au(I) complexes. Notably, an intramolecular Cl → Sb pnictogen bond affected the molecular geometry of the Pd(II) complex [PdCl2(1-κ2P,Sb)], which in turn suggested that the structural influence exerted by ligands of this type needs to be assessed with care.

A revised understanding of the speciation of gold(III) dithiocarbamate complexes in solution

The cytotoxic series of cis-platin mimics "[AuX2(dtc)]" (X = Cl, Br; dtc = dithiocarbamate) were recently patented as promising anticancer metallotherapeutics. Using a range of dialkyl-, cyclic alkyl- and diaryl-dithiocarbamate ligands, we have discovered that "[AuX2(dtc)]" actually exist in solution as a mixture containing neutral [AuX2(dtc)] and cationic [Au(dtc)2]+. For the latter, single crystal X-ray crystallography proved that a variety of halide-containing anions such as [AuX4]-, [AuX2]- and even X- balanced the charge. Based on a thorough investigation into the synthesis of these compounds, we discovered that literature syntheses which claim to produce pure material in fact generate mixtures. In some cases the major component of the mixture is actually the cationic [Au(dtc)2]+ rather than the claimed neutral [AuX2(dtc)]. Refinement of the synthetic conditions led to a mixture where the neutral [AuX2(dtc)] was the dominant component, from which pure solid [AuX2(dtc)] could be obtained by fractional crystallisation. However, the isomerisation process immediately restarted upon dissolution of the crystalline material, thus it is not possible to obtain pure [AuX2(dtc)] in solution. This discovery has important ramifications for any future use of these compounds, especially as therapeutics since the solution-phase speciation means that "pure" [AuX2(dtc)] cannot exist under biologically relevant conditions. A critical reinterpretation of existing literature data demonstrates that there is already significant uncertainty surrounding which component(s) of this mixture are biologically active.

Oligomer sensitive in-situ detection and characterization of gold colloid aggregate formations observed within the hippocampus of the Alzheimer's disease rat

In order to better understand the dynamics governing the formation of pathological oligomers leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a rat model the present study examined the protein aggregates accumulating on gold colloids in the hippocampus. Sections of the hippocampus of the Long Evans Cohen's AD(+) rat model were mixed with gold colloids and the resulting aggregates were examined by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) imaging. Compared to AD(-) rat tissues, the AD(+) rat hippocampal tissues produced a larger sized gold colloid aggregates. The SERS spectrum of each hippocampal section exhibited similar spectral patterns in the Amide I, II, and III band regions, but showed distinct spectral patterns in the region between 300 cm-1 - 1250 cm-1 in AD(+) rat tissues, respectively. Amyloid fibrils with a β-sheet conformation were previously reported to form gold colloid aggregates in mouse and human AD brain tissues. The gold colloid aggregates in the AD (+) rat hippocampal brain sections showed distinct morphological traits compared to those observed in AD(-) rats. This suggests that there is a spatial distribution of oligomer concentration in the hippocampus, which induces fibril formation to disrupt neuronal networks within the hippocampus and between other parts of the brain.

Chiral N-Alkylfluorenyl-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in the Gold(I)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cycloisomerization of 1,6-Enynes

A series of chiral A*Flu-NHC-gold(I) complexes, where A*Flu-NHC is an N-heterocyclic carbene (imidazolin-2-ylidene or benzimidazolin-2-ylidene) bearing a chiral 9-alkyl-9-fluorenyl N-substituent and a 2,6-diisopropylphenyl or benzyl N'-substituent, were straightforwardly prepared in few steps from readily available 2,6-diisopropylamine, imidazole or benzimidazole. The chirality of the N-substituent lies in the presence of a chiral alcoholic alkyl chain on the fluorenyl, which results from the opening of commercially available chiral styrene oxide, yielding to a 2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl or a 2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl group. Four [AuCl(A*Flu-NHC)] complexes were tested as precatalysts in an enantioselective cycloisomerization of a 1,6-enyne. Notably, the best inductions were observed with the benzimidazolin-2-ylidene derivative bearing a 2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl group on the fluorenyl ring, showing that a constrained rotation around the N-Cfluorenyl bond and a chiral center in α position of the fluorenyl ring are determining factors. Interestingly, a strong improvement of the induction with up to 72 % ee was observed using AgOTf as activator. The presence of a hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group and OTf- in the in situ generated active cationic gold(I) species probably stiffens its structure. This type of ligand-counteranion interaction represents a novel strategy for optimizing chirality transfer in asymmetric gold(I) catalysis.

Enhancing the Stability and Catalytic Performance of Gold Subnanoclusters Mediated by Au···H-C Hydrogen Bonding and Au···π Interactions

Gold subnanoclusters (AuSNCs) exhibit remarkable catalytic activity; however, their short-lived transient existence and strong tendency for self-aggregation remain disadvantageous for practical application. Considering that weak secondary interactions, such as Au···H-C or Au···π, could enhance the stability of the subnanocluster system, we have assessed their influence on the stabilization through a combination of experimental and computational analyses. We have evaluated the stabilization ability of different functional groups toward the AuSNCs system. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) experiments, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and topological tools (QTAIM and NCI) provide decisive insights into the mechanism of stabilization of the short-lived AuSNCs species. Additionally, we extended the stabilization analysis to an application in catalysis. By conducting a complete NCI analysis of an optimized energy pathway, we demonstrate how an Au3 subnanocluster can be stabilized by a series of weak secondary interactions, including hydrogen bonds to gold (Au···H-C) as well as Au···π interactions in intermediates and transition states.

Crystal structures of six complexes of phosphane chalcogenides R 1 R 2 R 3PE (R = tert-butyl or isopropyl, E = S or Se) with the metal halides MX 2 (M = Pd or Pt, X = Cl or Br), two halochalcogenyl-phospho-nium derivatives ( t Bu2 iPrPEBr)2[Pd2Br6] and one hydrolysis product

The L 2 MX 2 complexes 1-5 (1: L = t BuiPr2PSe, M = Pd, X = Cl; 2: L = t Bu2 iPrPSe, M = Pd, X = Cl; 3: L = t Bu2 iPrPSe, M = Pd, X = Br; 4: L = t Bu2 iPrPS, M = Pd, X = Br; 5: L = t Bu2 iPrPS, M = Pt, X = Cl) {systematic names: (tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phosphine selenide-κSe)di-chlorido-palladium(II), [PdCl2(C10H23PSe)2] (1), (di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine selenide-κSe)di-chloridopalladium(II), [PdCl2(C11H25PSe)2] (2), di-bromido-(di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine selenide-κSe)palladium(II), [PdBr2(C11H25PSe)2] (3), di-bromido-(di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)palladium(II), [PdBr2(C11H25PS)2] (4), di-chlorido-(di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)palladium(II), [PdCl2(C11H25PS)2] (5)} all display a trans configuration with square-planar geometry at the metal atom. Compounds 2 and 3 are isotypic. The mol-ecules of 1 and 4 display crystallographic inversion symmetry; compound 5 involves two independent mol-ecules, each with inversion symmetry but with differing orientations of the tri-alkyl-phosphane groups. Chemically equivalent bond lengths all lie in narrow ranges, whereby the values for palladium and platinum compounds scarcely differ. Compound 6, ( t BuiPr2PS)2Pd2Cl4 {systematic name: di-μ-chlorido-bis-[(tert-butyldiiso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)chlorido-palladium(II)], [PdCl2(C10H23PS)2]}, is dinuclear with a central Pd2Cl2 ring, and displays crystallographic inversion symmetry. The bonds to the bridging are longer than those to the terminal chlorine atoms; the Pd-S bond is shorter than the M-S bonds in 4 and 5, reflecting the weaker trans influence of (bridging) chlorine compared to sulfur. Compounds 7 and 8, 2( t Bu2 iPrPEBr)+ [Pd2Br6]2- with E = S for 7 and Se for 8 {systematic names: (bromo-sulfan-yl)di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphanium di-μ-bromido-bis-[di-bromido-palladium(II)], (C11H25BrPS)2[Pd2Br6] (7) and (bromo-selan-yl)di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphanium di-μ-bromido-bis-[di-bromido-palladium(II)], (C11H25BrPS2)2[Pd2Br6], (8)}, were obtained by oxidizing the appropriate PdII precursors with elemental bromine; they are not isotypic. The ions are connected by very short halogen bonds Br⋯Br. For both compounds, two E⋯Br contacts further link the cations and anions to form ribbons. Compound 9 {systematic name: bis-[dimeth-yl(sulfanyl-idene)phosphin-ito-κSe]bis-(hy-droxy-diiso-propyl-phosphine selenide-κSe)palladium(II), [Pd(C6H14OP)2(C6H15OP)2], {(iPr2PSeO)2H}2Pd, is a hydrolysis product with inversion symmetry and contains an intra-molecular P-O⋯H-O-P group with a disordered hydrogen atom. Compounds 1-6 and 9 show few, if any, short inter-molecular contacts, although some H⋯M contacts are observed. A problem with atom-type assignment for structure refinement is discussed.

Surface Stabilization to Enhance Single Molecule Toroidal Behavior in {Dy3} Molecules: the Impact of Au(111), MgO, and Graphene Surfaces

Single-molecule toroids (SMTs), with vortex-like magnetic anisotropy axes, hold promise for quantum technologies, but controlling their toroidal states on the surface remains challenging. To address this, the SMT behavior of [Dy3(µ3-OH)2L3Cl(H2O)5]Cl3 (where L = ortho-vanillin) grafted onto Au(111), MgO has been studied, and graphene surfaces in pristine form (1) and with pyrene (2) and (CH2)8S (3) linkers, using periodic density functional theory and ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO methods. Both pristine and chemically functionalized molecules are stable on Au(111) and graphene surfaces; however, functionalization provides higher binding energies and, in some cases, enhances the SMT properties. The MgO surface, however, is found to be unsuitable as it abstracts an H atom from the molecule, leading to the loss of its SMT characteristics. The energy gap (ΔE) between the toroidal (nonmagnetic) and spin-flip (magnetic) states in complex 1 on Au(111) and graphene surfaces are 6.9 and 6.6 cm-1, respectively. Complexes 2 on Au(111) and 3 on graphene exhibit ΔE and toroidal blocking fields of 9.8 cm-1/1.2 T and 6.8 cm-1/0.83 T, respectively, representing the highest recorded values for this class of SMTs. These findings demonstrate the potential of surface stabilization to improve the functionality and applicability of SMTs in advanced quantum technologies.

Highly catalytically active composite of palladium nanoparticles covalently bound to chitosan nanofibers via dialdehyde cellulose

This study introduces a novel, sustainable method for synthesizing sub-5 nm palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) and covalently binding them to chitosan nanofibers (CHITs) using fully oxidized dialdehyde cellulose (DAC). Notably, the DAC acts not only as a reducing and stabilizing agent for PdNPs, but also as a linker for their rapid and spontaneous covalent attachment to CHITs via Schiff base chemistry. This unique approach yields PdNPs with a narrow size distribution (4.7 ± 0.4 nm) and enables the preparation of a stable nanofibrous composite with excellent catalytic efficiency for 4-nitrophenol reduction (TOFPdNPs = 75.2 min-1, kPdNPs = 1.34 min-1; TOFPdNPs-CHIT = 1.18 min-1). The composite's high reusability, attributed to strong covalent binding, marks a significant improvement over traditional PdNPs composites that rely on weak interactions. This is demonstrated on a model of a catalytic device, reflecting industrial applications.

Increasing the Donor Strength of Alkenylphosphines by Twisting the C=C Double Bond

Electron-rich phosphines play a crucial role in transition metal-based homogeneous catalysis. While alkyl groups have traditionally been employed to increase the phosphine donor strength, recent studies have shown that zwitterionic functional groups such as phosphorus ylides can result in a further enhancement. Herein we report the concept of twisting a C=C double bond to introduce a zwitterionic substituent by the synthesis and application of N-heterocyclic olefin phosphines with a sulfonyl substituent (sNHOP). This sulfonyl group enables the twisting of the olefin moiety due to steric and electronic stabilization of the carbanionic center. The resulting zwitterionic structure leads to a significant increase of the donor strength of the sNHOP ligands compared to conventional NHOP systems with a planar N-heterocyclic olefin moiety. The potential of this new ligand platform for catalysis is demonstrated by its application in the gold-catalyzed hydroamination and cyclo-isomerization of alkynes. Here, the ligands outperform the original NHOP ligands suggesting favorable properties for future catalysis applications.

In Situ Laser Direct Writing of Graphene-Based Layered Hybrid Materials with Superhydrophilicity

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has attracted extensive attention as an electrode material. However, it usually exhibits limited electrochemical performance in many applications due to the limited electrical conductivity and charge storage properties. Herein, we proposed a simple and environmentally friendly strategy for in situ preparation of flexible Au/LIG/PI layered hybrid materials using laser direct writing. The transformation from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic of hybrid materials was successfully achieved. At a laser power of 6.0 W during laser reirradiation, the contact angle of the prepared Au/LIG/PI layered hybrid material was 0°. Characterizations confirmed a formed continuous Au layer covered on the porous LIG skeleton with a uniform distribution. The superhydrophilicity resulting from this unique microstructure greatly enhanced the electrochemical performance of the microsupercapacitors (MSCs) designed and fabricated based on Au/LIG/PI hybrid materials. Meanwhile, this MSC demonstrated excellent flexibility due to the PI substrate. The in situ preparation of superhydrophilic Au/LIG/PI layered hybrid materials provides a strategy for improving the performance of LIG-based MSCs, thereby enhancing their application potential.

Biofilm Demolition by [AuIII(N N)Cl(NHC)][PF6]2 Complexes Fastened with Bipyridine and Phenanthroline Ligands; Potent Antibacterial Agents Targeting Membrane Lipid

The development of new antibacterial drugs is essential for staying ahead of evolving antibiotic resistant bacterial (ARB) threats, ensuring effective treatment options for bacterial infections, and protecting public health. Herein, we successfully designed and synthesized two novel gold(III)- NHC complexes, [Au(1)(bpy)Cl][PF6]2 (2) and [Au(1)(phen)Cl][PF6]2 (3) based on the proligand pyridyl[1,2-a]{2-pyridylimidazol}-3-ylidene hexafluorophosphate (1⋅HPF6) [bpy=2,2'-bipyridine; phen=1,10-phenanthroline]. The synthesized complexes were characterized spectroscopically; their geometries and structural arrangements were confirmed by single crystal XRD analysis. Complexes 2 and 3 showed photoluminescence properties at room temperature and the time-resolved fluorescence decay confirmed the fluorescence lifetimes of 0.54 and 0.62 ns respectively; which were used to demonstrate their direct interaction with bacterial cells. Among the two complexes, complex 3 was found to be more potent against the bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-positive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-negative bacteria) with the MIC values of 8.91 μM and 17.82 μM respectively. Studies revealed the binding of the complexes with the fundamental phospholipids present in the cell membrane of bacteria, which was found to be the leading cause of bacterial cell death. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using an MTT assay on 293 T cell lines; emphasizing the potential therapeutic uses of the Au(III)-NHC complexes to control bacterial infections.

Crystal structures of six miscellaneous products arising from the oxidation of precursors R 1 R 2 R 3PEAuX (R = tert-butyl or isopropyl; E = S or Se; X = Cl, Br or I)

Compound 1, (disulfane-1,2-di-yl)bis-(tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phospho-nium) bis-[tetra-chlorido-aurate(III)], ( t Bu i Pr2P)2S2·[AuCl4]2, contains the first structurally characterized dication of the form {(R 3P)2 E}2 2+. The ions are linked by S⋯Cl contacts and C-Hmethine⋯Cl hydrogen bonds to form ribbons of residues parallel to the a axis. Compound 2 is bis-(di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)gold(I) triiodide/di-iodido-aurate(I)(0.905/0.095), [Au(C11H25PS)2][AuI2]0.095(I3)0.905, or [( t Bu2 i PrPS)2Au]I3 with 9.5% of the triiodide replaced by di-iodido-aurate(I). Chains of alternating anions and cations parallel to [110] are formed by two S⋯I contacts. Compound 3 is bis-(tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)gold(I) triiodide/di-iodido-aurate(I)(0.875/0.125), [Au(C10H23PS)2][AuI2]0.125(I3)0.875 or [( t Bu i Pr2PS)2Au]I3 with 12.5% of the triiodide replaced by di-iodo-aurate(I). Chains parallel to [101] are formed by two S⋯I contacts. Compound 4, bis-(di-tert-butyl-iso-propyl-phosphine sulfide-κS)gold(I) hepta-iodide, [Au(C11H25PS)2]I7 or [( t Bu2 i PrPS)2Au]I3·2I2, is formally the bis-diiodine adduct of 3, uncontaminated by di-iodido-aurate(I). The cations and anions display crystallographic twofold symmetry. The unbranched I7 - groups, I-I⋯I-I-I⋯I-I, are bent at the third and fifth atoms. The anions are linked by two S⋯I contacts to form a layer structure parallel to the bc plane. In all three structures 2-4, there are also weak C-Hmethine⋯I contacts. Compound 5, di-bromido-(di-tert-butyl-dithio-phosphato-κ2 S,S')gold(III), [AuBr2(C8H18PS2)] or [AuBr2( t Bu2PS2)], contains a four-membered chelate ring. It crystallizes with imposed mirror symmetry. An S⋯Br contact links the mol-ecules to form corrugated layers parallel to the bc plane. In compound 6, di-tert-but-yl{[di-tert-but-yl(hy-droxy)phosphan-yl]diselan-yl}phosphine oxide tetra-bromido-aurate(III), (C16H37O2P2Se2)[AuBr4] or [( t Bu2OPSe)2H][AuBr4], the cation has a central diselenide unit, and also displays an intra-cationic hydrogen bond O-H⋯O. Two Se⋯Br contacts link the residues to form zigzag chains parallel to [201]. The problem of determining whether an E⋯X contact (E = chalcogen, X = halogen) represents a halogen bond or a chalcogen bond is discussed.

Recent Trends in Group 11 Hydrogen Bonding

Conventional hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) has been extensively studied in organic and biological systems. However, its role in transition metal chemistry, particularly with Group 11 metals (i. e. Cu, Ag, Au) as hydrogen bond acceptors, remains relatively unexplored. Through a combination of experimental techniques, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and computational calculations, several aspects of H-bonding interactions with Group 11 metals are examined, shedding light on its impact on structural motifs and reactivity. These include bond strengths, geometries, and effects on electronic structures. Understanding the intricacies of hydrogen bonding within transition metal chemistry holds promise for various applications, including catalytic transformations, the construction of molecular assemblies, synthesis of complexes displaying anticancer activities, or luminescence applications (e. g. Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence, TADF). This review encompasses the most significant recent advances, challenges, and future prospects in this emerging field.

Chiral cadmium-amine complexes for stimulating non-linear optical activity and photoluminescence in solids based on aurophilic stacks

The design of high-performance optical materials can be realized using coordination polymers (CPs) often supported by non-covalent interactions, such as metallophilicity. The challenge is to control two or more optical effects, e.g., non-linear optics (NLO) and photoluminescence (PL). We present a new strategy for the combination of the NLO effect of second-harmonic generation (SHG) and the visible PL achieved by linking dicyanidoaurate(i) ions, which form luminescent metallophilic stacks, with cadmium(ii) complexes bearing chiral amine ligands, used to break the crystal's symmetry. We report a family of NLO- and PL-active materials based on heterometallic Cd(ii)-Au(i) coordination systems incorporating enantiopure propane-1,2-diamine (pda) ligands (1-S, 1-R), their racemate (2), and enantiopure trans-cyclopentane-1,2-diamine (cpda) ligands (3-S, 3-R). Due to acentric space groups, they exhibit the SHG signal, tunable within the range of 11-24% of the KDP reference, which was correlated with the dipole moments of Cd(ii) units. They show efficient blue PL whose energy and quantum yield, the latter ranging from 0.40 to 0.83, are controlled by Cd(ii) complexes affecting the Au-Au distances and vibrational modes. We prove that chiral Cd(ii)-amine complexes play the role of molecular agents for the stimulation of both the NLO and PL of the materials based on aurophilic stacks.

Halogen Bonding to the π-Systems of Polycyclic Aromatics

The propensity of the π-electron system lying above a polycyclic aromatic system to engage in a halogen bond is examined by DFT calculations. Prototype Lewis acid CF3I is placed above the planes of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, naphthacene, chrysene, triphenyl, pyrene, and coronene. The I atom positions itself some 3.3-3.4 Å above the polycyclic plane, and the associated interaction energy is about 4 kcal/mol. This quantity is a little smaller for benzene, but is roughly equal for the larger polycyclics. The energy only oscillates a little as the Lewis acid slides across the face of the polycyclic, preferring regions of higher π-electron density over minima of the electrostatic potential. The binding is dominated by dispersion which contributes half of the total interaction energy.

Crystal structures of seven mixed-valence gold compounds of the form [(R 1 R 2 R 3PE)2AuI]+[AuIII X 4]- (R = tert-butyl or isopropyl, E = S or Se, and X = Cl or Br)

During our studies of the oxidation of gold(I) complexes of tri-alkyl-phosphane chalcogenides, general formula R 1 R 2 R 3PEAuX, (R = tert-butyl or isopropyl, E = S or Se, X = Cl or Br) with PhICl2 or elemental bromine, we have isolated a set of seven mixed-valence by-products, the bis-(tri-alkyl-phosphane chalcogenido)gold(I) tetra-halogenidoaurates(III) [(R 1 R 2 R 3PE)2Au]+[AuX 4]-. These corres-pond to the addition of one halogen atom per gold atom of the AuI precursor. Com-pound 1, bis-(triiso-propyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-chlorido-aur-ate(III), [Au(C9H21PS)2][AuCl4] or [( i Pr3PS)2Au][AuCl4], crystallizes in space group P21/n with Z = 4; the gold(I) atoms of the two cations lie on twofold rotation axes, and the gold(III) atoms of the two anions lie on inversion centres. Compound 2, bis-(tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-chlorido-aurate(III), [Au(C10H23PS)2][AuCl4] or [( t Bu i Pr2PS)2Au][AuCl4], crystallizes in space group P1 with Z = 4; the asymmetric unit contains two cations and two anions with no imposed symmetry. A least-squares fit of the two cations gave an r.m.s. deviation of 0.19 Å. Compound 3, bis-(tri-tert-butyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-chlorido-aurate(III), [Au(C12H27PS)2][AuCl4] or [( t Bu3PS)2Au][AuCl4], crystallizes in space group P1 with Z = 1; both gold atoms lie on inversion centres. Compound 4a, bis-(tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-bromi-doaurate(III), [Au(C10H23PS)2][AuBr4] or [( t Bu i Pr2PS)2Au][AuBr4], crystallizes in space group P21/c with Z = 4; the cation lies on a general position, whereas the gold(III) atoms of the two anions lie on inversion centres. Compound 4b, bis-(tert-butyl-diiso-propyl-phosphane selenide)gold(I) tetra-bromido-aurate(III), [Au(C10H23PSe)2][AuBr4] or [( t Bu i Pr2PSe)2Au][AuBr4], is isotypic with 4a. Compound 5a, bis-(tri-tert-butyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-bromido-aurate(III), [Au(C12H27PS)2][AuBr4] or [( t Bu3PS)2Au][AuBr4], is isotypic with compound 4a. Compound 5a, bis-(tri-tert-butyl-phosphane sulfide)-gold(I) tetra-bromido-aurate(III), [Au(C12H27PS)2][AuBr4] or [( t Bu3PS)2Au][AuBr4], crystallizes in space group P1 with Z = 1; both gold atoms lie on inversion centres. Compound 5b, bis-(tri-tert-butyl-phosphane selenide)gold(I) tetra-bromido-aurate(III), [Au(C12H27PSe)2][AuBr4] or [( t Bu3PSe)2Au][AuBr4], is isotypic with 5a. All AuI atoms are linearly coordinated and all AuIII atoms exhibit a square-planar coordination environment. The ligands at the AuI atoms are anti-periplanar to each other across the S⋯S vectors. There are several short intra-molecular H⋯Au and H⋯E contacts. Average bond lengths (Å) are: P-S = 2.0322, P-Se = 2.1933, S-Au = 2.2915, and Se-Au = 2.4037. The complex three-dimensional packing of 1 involves two short C-Hmethine⋯Cl contacts (and some slightly longer contacts). For 2, four C-Hmethine⋯Cl inter-actions combine to produce zigzag chains of residues parallel to the c axis. Additionally, an S⋯Cl contact is observed that might qualify as a 'chalcogen bond'. The packing of 3 is three-dimensional, but can be broken down into two layer structures, each involving an S⋯Cl and an H⋯Cl contact. For the bromido derivatives 4a/b and 5a/b, loose associations of the anions form part of the packing patterns. For all four compounds, these combine with an E⋯Br contact to form layers parallel to the ab plane.

Insight into the Metal-Involving Chalcogen Bond in the PdII/PtII-Based Complexes: Comparison with the Conventional Chalcogen Bond

The metal-involving Ch···M chalcogen bond and the conventional Ch···O chalcogen bond between ChX2 (Ch = Se, Te; X = CCH, CN) acting as a Lewis acid and M(acac)2 (M = Pd, Pt; Hacac = acetylacetone) acting as a Lewis base were studied by density functional theory calculations. It has been observed that the nucleophilicity of the PtII complexes is higher than that of the corresponding PdII complexes. As a result, the PtII complexes tend to exhibit a more negative interaction energy and larger orbital interaction. The strength of the chalcogen bond increases with the increase of the chalcogen atom and the electronegativity of the substituent on the Lewis acid and vice versa. The metal-involving chalcogen bond shows a typical weak closed-shell noncovalent interaction in the (HCC)2Ch···M(acac)2 complexes, while it exhibits a partially covalent nature in the (NC)2Ch···M(acac)2 complexes. The conventional Ch···O chalcogen bond displays the character of a weak noncovalent interaction, and its strength is generally weaker than that of metal-involving Ch···M interactions. It could be argued that the metal-involving chalcogen bond is primarily determined by the correlation term, whereas the conventional chalcogen bond is mainly governed by the electrostatic interaction.

Crystal structures of four gold(I) complexes [AuL 2]+[AuX 2]- and a by-product (L·LH+)[AuBr2]- (L = substituted pyridine, X = Cl or Br)

Bis(2-methyl-pyridine)-gold(I) di-bromido-aurate(I), [Au(C6H7N)2][AuBr2], (1), crystallizes in space group C2/c with Z = 4. Both gold atoms lie on twofold axes and are connected by an aurophilic contact. A second aurophilic contact leads to infinite chains of alternating cations and anions parallel to the b axis, and the residues are further connected by a short H⋯Au contact and a borderline Br⋯Br contact. Bis(3-methyl-pyridine)-gold(I) di-bromido-aurate(I), [Au(C6H7N)2][AuBr2], (2), crystallizes in space group C2/m with Z = 2. Both gold atoms lie on special positions with symmetry 2/m and are connected by an aurophilic contact; all other atoms except for one methyl hydrogen lie in mirror planes. The extended structure is closely analogous to that of 1, although the structures are formally not isotypic. Bis(3,5-di-methyl-pyridine)-gold(I) di-chlor-ido-aurate(I), [Au(C7H9N)2][AuCl2], (3) crystallizes in space group P with Z = 2. The cation lies on a general position, and there are two independent anions in which the gold atoms lie on inversion centres. The cation and one anion associate via three short H⋯Cl contacts to form a ribbon structure parallel to the b axis; aurophilic contacts link adjacent ribbons. Bis(3,5-di-methyl-pyridine)-gold(I) di-bromido-aurate(I), [Au(C7H9N)2][AuBr2], (4) is isotypic to 3. Attempts to make similar compounds involving 2-bromo-pyridine led instead to 2-bromopyridinium di-bromido-aurate(I)-2-bromo-pyridine (1/1), (C5H5BrN)[AuBr2]·C5H4BrN, (5), which crystallizes in space group P with Z = 2; all atoms lie on general positions. The 2-bromo-pyridinium cation is linked to the 2-bromo-pyridine mol-ecule by an N-H⋯N hydrogen bond. Two formula units aggregate to form inversion-symmetric dimers involving Br⋯Br, Au⋯Br and H⋯Br contacts.

Monomeric gold hydrides for carbon dioxide reduction: ligand effect on the reactivity

We analyzed the ligand electronic effect in the reaction between a [LAu(I)H]0/- hydride species and CO2, leading to a coordinated formate [LAu(HCOO)]0/-. We explored 20 different ligands, such as carbenes, phosphines and others, carefully selected to cover a wide range of electron-donor and -acceptor properties. We included in the study the only ligand, an NHC-coordinated diphosphene, that, thus far, experimentally demonstrated facile and reversible reaction between the monomeric gold(I) hydride and carbon dioxide. We elucidated the previously unknown reaction mechanism, which resulted to be concerted and common to all the ligands: the gold-hydrogen bond attacks the carbon atom of CO2 with one oxygen atom coordinating to the gold center. A correlation between the ligand σ donor ability, which affects the electron density at the reactive site, and the kinetic activation barriers of the reaction has been found. This systematic study offers useful guidelines for the rational design of new ligands for this reaction, while suggesting a few promising and experimentally accessible potential candidates for the stoichiometric or catalytic CO2 activation.

Crystal structures of five gold(I) complexes with methyl-piperidine ligands

In bis-(4-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) chloride, [Au(C6H13N)2]Cl (1), the methyl groups are, as expected, equatorial at the piperidine ring, but the Au atom is axial; this is the case for all five structures reported here, as is the expected linear coordination at the Au atom. Hydrogen bonding of the form N-H⋯Cl-⋯H-N leads to inversion-symmetric dimers, which are further connected by C-H⋯Au contacts. Bis(4-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) di-chlorido-aurate(I), [Au(C6H13N)2][AuCl2] (2), also forms inversion-symmetric dimers; these involve aurophilic inter-actions and three-centre hydrogen bonds of the form NH(⋯Cl)2. Bis(4-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) di-bromido-aurate(I), [Au(C6H13N)2][AuBr2] (3), is isotypic to 2. The 1:1 adduct chlorido-(4-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) bis-(4-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) chloride, [Au(C6H13N)2]Cl·[AuCl(C6H13N)] (4), crystallizes as its di-chloro-methane solvate. The asymmetric unit contains two formula units, in each of which the chloride anion accepts a hydrogen bond from the cation and from the neutral mol-ecule, and the two Au atoms are linked via an aurophilic inter-action. A further hydrogen bond leads to inversion-symmetric dimers. The asymmetric unit of bis-(2-methyl-piperidine-κN)gold(I) chloride, [Au(C6H13N)2]Cl (5), contains two 'half' cations, in which the Au atoms lie on twofold axes, and a chloride ion on a general position. Within each cation, the relative configurations at the atoms N and C2 (which bears the methyl substituent) are R,S. The twofold-symmetric dimer involves two N-H⋯Cl-⋯H-N units and an aurophilic contact between the two Au atoms.

Crystal structures of sixteen phosphane chalcogenide complexes of gold(I) chloride, bromide and iodide

The structures of 16 phosphane chalcogenide complexes of gold(I) halides, with the general formula R 1 3- nR 2 nPEAuX (R 1 = t-butyl; R 2 = isopropyl; n = 0 to 3; E = S or Se; X = Cl, Br or I), are presented. The eight possible chlorido derivatives are: 1a, n = 3, E = S; 2a, n = 2, E = S; 3a, n = 1, E = S; 4a, n = 0, E = S; 5a, n = 3, E = Se; 6a, n = 2, E = Se; 7a, n = 1, E = Se; and 8a, n = 0, E = Se, and the corresponding bromido derivatives are 1b-8b in the same order. However, 2a and 2b were badly disordered and 8a was not obtained. The iodido derivatives are 2c, 6c and 7c (numbered as for the series a and b). All structures are solvent-free and all have Z' = 1 except for 6b and 6c (Z' = 2). All mol-ecules show the expected linear geometry at gold and approximately tetra-hedral angles P-E-Au. The presence of bulky ligands forces some short intra-molecular contacts, in particular H⋯Au and H⋯E. The Au-E bond lengths have a slight but consistent tendency to be longer when trans to a softer X ligand, and vice versa. The five compounds 1a, 5a, 6a, 1b and 5b form an isotypic set, despite the different alkyl groups in 6a. Compounds 3a/3b, 4b/8b and 6b/6c form isotypic pairs. The crystal packing can be analysed in terms of various types of secondary inter-actions, of which the most frequent are 'weak' hydrogen bonds from methine hydrogen atoms to the halogenido ligands. For the structure type 1a, H⋯X and H⋯E contacts combine to form a layer structure. For 3a/3b, the packing is almost featureless, but can be described in terms of a double-layer structure involving borderline H⋯Cl/Br and H⋯S contacts. In 4a and 4b/8b, which lack methine groups, Cmeth-yl-H⋯X contacts combine to form layer structures. In 7a/7b, short C-H⋯X inter-actions form chains of mol-ecules that are further linked by association of short Au⋯Se contacts to form a layer structure. The packing of compound 6b/6c can conveniently be analysed for each independent mol-ecule separately, because they occupy different regions of the cell. Mol-ecule 1 forms chains in which the mol-ecules are linked by a Cmethine⋯Au contact. The mol-ecules 2 associate via a short Se⋯Se contact and a short H⋯X contact to form a layer structure. The packing of compound 2c can be described in terms of two short Cmethine-H⋯I contacts, which combine to form a corrugated ribbon structure. Compound 7c is the only compound in this paper to feature Au⋯Au contacts, which lead to twofold-symmetric dimers. Apart from this, the packing is almost featureless, consisting of layers with only translation symmetry except for two very borderline Au⋯H contacts.

Highly efficient affinity anchoring of gold nanoparticles on chitosan nanofibers via dialdehyde cellulose for reusable catalytic devices

Polysaccharides are often utilized as reducing and stabilizing agents and as support in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). However, using approaches like spin coating or dip coating, AuNPs are generally bound to the support only by weak interactions, which can lead to decreased stability of the composite. Here, a two-stage approach for the preparation of composites with covalently anchored AuNPs is proposed. First, 5 nm AuNPs with high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (TOF = 15.8 min-1) were synthesized and stabilized using fully oxidized and solubilized 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC). Next, the carbonyl groups in the shell of prepared nanoparticles were used to tether AuNPs to chitosan nanofibers with quantitative efficacy in a process that we termed "affinity anchoring". Schiff bases formed during this process were subsequently reduced to secondary amines by borohydride, which greatly improved the stability of the composite in the broad pH range from 3 to 9. The catalytic efficacy of the resulting composite is demonstrated using a model catalytic device, showing high stability, fast conversion rates, and direct reusability.

Copper(I) Complexes of Amide Functionalized Bisphosphine: Proximity Enhanced Metal-Ligand Cooperativity and Its Catalytic Advantage in C(sp3)-H Bond Activation of Unactivated Cycloalkanes in Dehydrogenative Carboxylation Reactions

The reactions of amide functionalized bisphosphine, o-Ph2PC6H4C-(O)N(H)C6H4PPh2-o (1) (BalaHariPhos), with copper salts is described. Treatment of 1 with CuX in a 1:1 molar ratio yielded chelate complexes of the type [CuX{(o-Ph2PC6H4C(O)N(H)C6H4PPh2-o)}-κ2-P,P] (X = Cl, 2; Br, 3; and I, 4), which on subsequent treatment with KOtBu resulted in a dimeric complex [Cu(o-Ph2PC6H4C(O)(N)C6H4PPh2-o)]2 (5). Interestingly, complexes 2-4 showed weak N-H···Cu interactions. These weak H-bonding interactions are studied in detail both experimentally and computationally. Also, CuI complexes 2-5 were employed in the oxidative dehydrogenative carboxylation (ODC) of unactivated cycloalkanes in the presence of carboxylic acids to form the corresponding allylic esters. Among complexes 2-5, halide-free dimeric CuI complex 5 showed excellent metal-ligand cooperativity in the oxidative dehydrogenative carboxylation (ODC) in the presence of carboxylic acids to form the corresponding allylic esters through C(sp3)-H bond activation of unactivated cycloalkanes. Mechanistic details of the catalytic process were established by isolating the precatalyst [Cu{(o-Ph2PC6H4C(O)(NH)C6H4PPh2-o)-κ2-P,P}(OOCPh)] (6) and fully characterized by mass spectrometry, NMR data, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Density functional theory-based calculations further provided a quantitative understanding of the energetics of a series of H atom transfer steps occurring in the catalytic cycle.

Theoretical study of the saturation and nature of the hydrogen bonds to gold

Traditional hydrogen bonds are well-known to exhibit directionality and saturation. By contrast, gold involved hydrogen bonds (GHBs) have been extensively studied but remain lack of in-depth understanding towards the intrinsic nature and saturation property. This work exemplifies three series of complexes: [L-Au-L]-⋯(HF)n (L = H, CH3, (CH3)3; n = 1-8) containing GHBs to dig into the intrinsic nature with the aid of multiple theoretical analysis methods, finding that the formation of GHB is highly subject to orbital interactions along with steric hindrance. Moreover, the saturation level of GHBs largely depends on the ligand attached to the gold center, since different ligands typically possess varying electron-giving ability and steric volume. This work confirms the coexistence of as many as 6 GHBs for one Au atom and thoroughly studies the saturation level of GHBs, which will provide new insights into GHBs and facilitate future synthesis of more complicated gold complexes.

Deciphering the Primary Role of Au⋅⋅⋅H-X Hydrogen Bonding in Gold Catalysis

Au⋅⋅⋅H-X (X=N or C) hydrogen bonding is gaining increasing interest, both in the study of its intrinsic nature and in their operability in different fields. While the role of these interactions has been studied in the stabilization of gold(I) complexes, their role during the minimum free energy reaction pathway of a given catalytic process remains unexplored. We report herein that complex [Au(C≡CPh)(pip)] (pip=piperidine) catalyses the A3 -coupling reaction for the synthesis of propargylamines, thanks to the ability of Au(I) to promote weak hydrogen bonding interactions with the reactants along the free energy profile. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations show that these Au⋅⋅⋅H-X interactions play a directing role in the catalysed A3 -coupling. Topological non-covalent interactions (NCI), interaction region indicator (IRI) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis in real space of the electron density provide a description of these interactions accurately.

Photoluminescence control by atomically precise surface metallization of C-centered hexagold(i) clusters using N-heterocyclic carbenes

The properties of metal clusters are highly dependent on their molecular surface structure. The aim of this study is to precisely metallize and rationally control the photoluminescence properties of a carbon(C)-centered hexagold(i) cluster (CAu^I₆) using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with one pyridyl, or one or two picolyl pendants and a specific number of silver(i) ions at the cluster surface. The results suggest that the photoluminescence of the clusters depends highly on both the rigidity and coverage of the surface structure. In other words, the loss of structural rigidity significantly reduces the quantum yield (QY). The QY in CH₂Cl₂ is 0.04 for [(C)(Au^I-BIPc)₆Ag^I₃(CH₃CN)₃](BF₄)₅ (BIPc = N-isopropyl-N'-2-picolylbenzimidazolylidene), a significant decrease from 0.86 for [(C)(Au^I-BIPy)₆Ag^I₂](BF₄)₄ (BIPy = N-isopropyl-N'-2-pyridylbenzimidazolylidene). This is due to the lower structural rigidity of the ligand BIPc because it contains a methylene linker. Increasing the number of capping Ag^I ions, i.e., the coverage of the surface structure, increases the phosphorescence efficiency. The QY for [(C)(Au^I-BIPc²)₆Ag^I₄(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₆ (BIPc² = N,N'-di(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolylidene) recovers to 0.40, 10-times that of the cluster with BIPc. Further theoretical calculations confirm the roles of Ag^I and NHC in the electronic structures. This study reveals the atomic-level surface structure-property relationships of heterometallic clusters.

Next Generation Gold Drugs and Probes: Chemistry and Biomedical Applications

The gold drugs, gold sodium thiomalate (Myocrisin), aurothioglucose (Solganal), and the orally administered auranofin (Ridaura), are utilized in modern medicine for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis; however, new gold agents have been slow to enter the clinic. Repurposing of auranofin in different disease indications such as cancer, parasitic, and microbial infections in the clinic has provided impetus for the development of new gold complexes for biomedical applications based on unique mechanistic insights differentiated from auranofin. Various chemical methods for the preparation of physiologically stable gold complexes and associated mechanisms have been explored in biomedicine such as therapeutics or chemical probes. In this Review, we discuss the chemistry of next generation gold drugs, which encompasses oxidation states, geometry, ligands, coordination, and organometallic compounds for infectious diseases, cancer, inflammation, and as tools for chemical biology via gold-protein interactions. We will focus on the development of gold agents in biomedicine within the past decade. The Review provides readers with an accessible overview of the utility, development, and mechanism of action of gold-based small molecules to establish context and basis for the thriving resurgence of gold in medicine.

Exploring Au(i) involving halogen bonding with N-heterocyclic carbene Au(i) aryl complexes in crystalline media

Among the known types of non-covalent interactions with a Au(i) metal center, Au(i) involving halogen bonding (XB) remains a rare phenomenon that has not been studied systematically. Herein, using five N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Au(i) aryl complexes and two iodoperfluoroarenes as XB donors, we demonstrated that the XB involving the Au(i) metal center can be predictably obtained for neutral Au(i) complexes using the example of nine co-crystals. The presence of XB involving the Au(i) center was experimentally investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state ¹³C CP-MAS NMR methods, and their nature was elucidated through DFT calculations, followed by electron density, electrostatic potential, and orbital analyses. The obtained results revealed a connection between the structure and HOMO localization of Au(i) complexes as XB acceptors, and the geometrical, electronic, and spectroscopic features of XB interactions, as well as the supramolecular structure of the co-crystals.

Why much of Chemistry may be indisputably non-bonded?

In this compendium, the wide scope of all intermolecular interactions ever known has been revisited, in particular giving emphasis the capability of much of the elements of the periodic table to form non-covalent contacts. Either hydrogen bonds, dihydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, pnictogen bonds, chalcogen bonds, triel bonds, tetrel bonds, regium bonds, spodium bonds or even the aerogen bond interactions may be cited. Obviously that experimental techniques have been used in some works, but it was through the theoretical methods that these interactions were validate, wherein the QTAIM integrations and SAPT energy partitions have been useful in this regard. Therefore, the great goal concerns to elucidate the interaction strength and if the intermolecular system shall be total, partial or non-covalently bonded, wherein this last one encompasses the most majority of the intermolecular interactions what leading to affirm that chemistry is debatably non-bonded.

Tri(N-carbazolyl)phosphine Gold(I) Complexes: Structural and Catalytic Activity Studies

Twelve tri(N-carbazolyl)phosphine gold(I) complexes, bearing both protonated and deuterated aryl phosphorous triamide-type ligands, have been synthesized and characterized. An elusive Au-H(D) interaction between the H(D) atoms of the tri(N-carbazolyl)phosphine ligand at the H-1(D-1) position of the carbazolyl ring and the central gold atom was observed. Complexes 5(H)/5(D) bearing the dibrominated tri(N-carbazolyl)phosphine ligand exhibit isotopic polymorphism, in which two dramatically different crystal-packing modes between the protonated and deuterated forms occur. The catalytic potential of these complexes has been showcased in the gold(I)-catalyzed glycosylation with glycosyl o-alkynylbenzoates as donors, with TON being up to 27 000.

OH-···Au Hydrogen Bond and Its Effect on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Au(100) in Alkaline Media

Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with fully solvated ions, we demonstrate that solvated OH^- forms a stable hydrogen bond with Au(100). Unlike the hydrogen bond between H₂O and Au reported previously, which is more favorable for negatively charged Au, the OH^-···Au interaction is stabilized when a small positive charge is added to the metal slab. For electro-catalysis, this means that while OH₂···Au plays a significant role in the hydrogen evolution reaction, OH^-···Au could be a significant factor in the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media. It also points to a fundamental difference in the mechanism of oxygen reduction between gold and platinum electrodes.

Halogen Bonding Involving Gold Nucleophiles in Different Oxidation States

A single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of diaryliodonium tetrachloroaurates (or, in the recent terminology, tetrachloridoaurates), [(p-XC₆H₄)₂I][AuCl₄] (X = Cl, 1; Br, 2), was performed for 1 (the structure is denoted as 1a to show similarity with the isomorphic structure 2a) and two polymorphs─2a (obtained from MeOH) and 2b (from 1,2-C₂H₄Cl₂). Examination of the XRD data for these three structures revealed 2-center C-X···Au^III (X = Cl and Br) and 3-center bifurcated C-Br···(Cl-Au) halogen bonding (abbreviated as XB) between the p-Cl or p-Br atoms of the diaryliodonium cations and the gold(III) atom of [AuCl₄]^-. The noncovalent nature of Au^III-involving interactions, the nucleophilicity of the gold(III) atoms, and the electrophilic role of p-X atoms of the diaryliodonium cations in the XBs were studied by a set of complementary computational methods. Combined experimental and theoretical studies allowed the recognition of the d-nucleophilicity of the [d⁸Au^III] atom which, regardless of its rather substantial formal 3+ charge, can function as a d-nucleophilic partner of XB. This conclusion was also supported by theoretical calculations performed for the structures' refcodes BINXOM and ICSD 62511; the obtained data verified the nucleophilicity of Au^III toward a K⁺ ions or a σ-(Cl)-hole, respectively. All our results, together with consideration of relevant literature, indicate that gold atoms in the three oxidation states (0, I, and even III) exhibit nucleophilicity in XBs.

N-Heterocyclic carbene-based C-centered Au(I)-Ag(I) clusters with intense phosphorescence and organelle-selective translocation in cells

Photoluminescent gold clusters are functionally variable chemical modules by ligand design. Chemical modification of protective ligands and introduction of different metals into the gold clusters lead to discover unique chemical and physical properties based on their significantly perturbed electronic structures. Here we report the synthesis of carbon-centered Au(I)-Ag(I) clusters with high phosphorescence quantum yields using N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. Specifically, a heterometallic cluster [(C)(Au^I-L)₆Ag^I₂]⁴⁺, where L denotes benzimidazolylidene-based carbene ligands featuring N-pyridyl substituents, shows a significantly high phosphorescence quantum yield (Φ = 0.88). Theoretical calculations suggest that the carbene ligands accelerate the radiative decay by affecting the spin-orbit coupling, and the benzimidazolylidene ligands further suppress the non-radiative pathway. Furthermore, these clusters with carbene ligands are taken up into cells, emit phosphorescence and translocate to a particular organelle. Such well-defined, highly phosphorescent C-centered Au(I)-Ag(I) clusters will enable ligand-specific, organelle-selective phosphorescence imaging and dynamic analysis of molecular distribution and translocation pathways in cells.

Photoluminescent gold clusters have unique chemical and physical properties based on their perturbed electronic structures. Here, the authors report the synthesis of carbon-centered Au(I)-Ag(I) clusters with high phosphorescence quantum yields using N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.

One-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles for catalysis and SERS applications using selectively dicarboxylated cellulose and hyaluronate

Properties and applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) depend on their characteristics which are intrinsically connected to the reducing and capping agents used in their synthesis. Although polysaccharides are commonly used for Au salt reduction, the control over the result is often limited. Here, the selectively dicarboxylated cellulose (DCC) and hyaluronate (DCH) with adjustable composition and molecular weight are used for the first time as reducing and capping agents for AuNPs preparation in an environmental friendly one-step synthesis. Mechanism of reduction and structure-function relationships between the composition of oxidized polysaccharides and properties of formed AuNPs are elucidated and the variances in the macromolecular architecture of dicarboxypolysaccharides are applied to guide the growth of AuNPs. While the homogenous structure and high density of carboxyl groups of fully-oxidized DCC induced isotropic growth of small and uniform AuNPs with good catalytic performance (d = ~20 nm, TOF = 7.3 min^-1, k = 1.47 min^-1), the lower stabilizing potential and slower reduction rates of the DCH induced the anisotropic growth of larger polyhedral ~50 nm nanoparticles, which increased the Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering efficacy (9× stronger Raman signals on average compared to AuDCC). The use of dicarboxypolysaccharides with adjustable composition and properties thus introduced a new degree of freedom for the preparation of AuNPs with desired properties.

Investigation of the Nature of Intermolecular Interactions in Tetra(thiocyanato)corrolato-Ag(III) Complexes: Agostic or Hydrogen Bonded?

Tetra(thiocyanato)corrolato-Ag(III) complexes presented here constitute a new class of metallo-corrole complexes. The spectroscopic properties of these complexes are quite unusual and interesting. For example, the absorption spectra of these β-substituted corrolato-Ag(III) complexes are very different from those of the β-unsubstituted corrolato-Ag(III) derivatives. Single-crystal XRD analysis of a representative tetra(thiocyanato)corrolato-Ag(III) derivative reveals C-H···Ag interactions. The C-H···Ag interactions are rarely demonstrated in the crystal lattice of a discrete coordination/organometallic compound. Optimization of the hydrogen positions of the crystal structure discloses the geometrical parameters of the said interaction as a Ag···H distance of 2.597 Å and ∠C-H···Ag of 109.62°. The natural bond orbital analysis provides information about the donor-acceptor orbitals involved in the interactions and their interaction energies. It was observed that the σ_C-H orbital overlaps with the vacant d-orbital of Ag with an interaction energy of 17.93 kJ/mol. The filled d-orbital of Ag overlaps with the σ*_C-H orbital with an interaction energy of 4.79 kJ/mol. The highlights of this work are that the H···Ag distance is outside of the distance range for the typical agostic interaction but fitted with the weak H-bond distance. However, the ∠C-H···Ag angle is within the range of the agostic interaction. Both crystallographic data and electronic structure calculations reveal that these kinds of intermolecular interactions in square-planar d⁸ Ag(III) complexes are intermediate in nature. Thus, they cannot be categorically called either hydrogen bonding or agostic interaction.

Augmenting Metallobasicity to Modulate Gold Hydrogen Bonding

We report the synthesis and characterization of two phosphine gold carbinol species exhibiting intramolecular Au···H-O hydrogen bonding. Increasing the metallobasicity of gold through chloride to phenyl ligand substitution produced an...

Interstitial hydrides in nanoclusters can reduce M(I) (M = Cu, Ag, Au) to M(0) and form stable superatoms

High-nuclearity clusters resemble the closest model between the determination of atomically precise chemical species and the bulk metallic version thereof, and both impacts on a variety of applications, including catalysis, optics, sensors, and new energy sources.  Our interest lies with the nanoclusters of the Group 11 (Cu, Ag, Au) metals stabilized by dichalcogenido and hydrido ligands.  Herein, we describe superatoms formed by the clusters and their relationship with precursor hydrido clusters.  Specifically, our concept seeks to demonstrate a possible correlation that exist between hydrido clusters (and nanoalloys) and the formation of superatoms, with the loss of hydrides and typically with release of H 2 gas.  These reactions appear to be internal self-redox reactions and require no additional reducing agent, but does seem to require a similar core structure.  Knowledge of such processes could provide insight into how clusters grow and an understanding in bridging the atomically precise cluster - metal nanoparticle mechanism.

A gold(I) 1,2,3-triazolylidene complex featuring the interaction between gold and methine hydrogen

A mesoionic N-heterocyclic carbene-gold(I) complex with a unique Au⋯H-C(methine) intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction has been investigated in the solid state. The structure of this new neutral gold(I)-carbene was characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, TGA, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) and atoms-in-molecule (AIM) analysis revealed that the gold-hydrogen bonding situation is more favored. Besides, the photophysical properties of the gold(I) complex were also investigated.

A Zwitterionic Heterobimetallic Gold-Iron Complex Supported by Bis(N-Heterocyclic Imine)Silyliumylidene

The facile synthesis of the first bis-N-heterocyclic imine-stabilized chlorosilyliumylidene 1 is reported. Remarkably, consecutive reaction of 1 with PPh3 AuCl and K2 Fe(CO)4 gives rise to the unique heterobimetallic complex 1,2-(Mes NHI)2 -C2 H4 -ClSiAuFe(CO)4 (4). The overall neutral complex 4 bears an unusual linear Si-Au-Fe structure and a rare anagostic interaction between the d10 -configured gold atom and a CH bond of the mesityl ligand. According to the computational analysis and 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, the formal Fe-oxidation state remains at -II. Thus, the electronic structure of 4 is best described as an overall neutral-yet zwitterionic-heterobimetallic "Si(II)+ -Au(I)+ -Fe(-II)2- "-silyliumylidene complex, derived from double anion exchange. The computational analysis indicates strong hyperconjugative back donation from the gold(I) atom to the silyliumylidene ligand.

Crystal structures and superconductivity of lithium and fluorine implanted gold hydrides under high pressures

The investigations on gold science have been capturing research interest due to its diverse physical and chemical properties. Gold hydrides in the solid state, as a member of the Au compound family, are rare since the reaction of Au with H is hindered in terms of their similar electronegativity. It is expected that Li and F can provide electrons and holes, respectively, to help stabilize gold hydrides under high pressure. Herein, by means of a crystal structural search based on particle swarm optimization methodology accompanied by first-principles calculations, four hitherto unknown Li-Au-H compounds (i.e., LiAuH, LiAu₂H, Li₂Au₂H, and Li₆AuH) are predicted to be stable under compression. Intriguingly, Au-H bonding is found in LiAuH, LiAu₂H, and Li₂Au₂H. As the gold content increases, Au atom arrangements exhibit diverse forms, from the chain in Li₆AuH, the square layer in LiAuH, the network in Li₂Au₂H, and eventually to the coexistence of square and pyramid layers in LiAu₂H. Additionally, Li₆AuH has a unique cage-type lithium structure. Furthermore, electron-phonon coupling calculations show that these Li-Au-H phases are phonon-modulated superconductors with a superconducting critical temperature of 1.3, 0.06, and 0.02 K at 25 GPa and 2.79 K at 100 GPa. In contrast, we also identified two solid F₄AuH and F₆AuH phases with unexpected semiconductivity. They have structural configurations of H-bridged AuF₄ quasi-square components and distorted AuF₆ octahedrons, respectively, and have no gold-to-hydrogen bonds. Our current results indicate that electron doping at suitable concentrations under pressure can stabilize unique gold hydrides, and provide deep insights into the structures, electron properties, bonding behavior, and stability mechanism of ternary Li-Au-H and F-Au-H compounds.

Au⋅⋅⋅H-C Hydrogen Bonds as Design Principle in Gold(I) Catalysis

Secondary ligand-metal interactions are decisive in many catalytic transformations. While arene-gold interactions have repeatedly been reported as critical structural feature in many high-performance gold catalysts, we herein report that these interactions can also be replaced by Au⋅⋅⋅H-C hydrogen bonds without suffering any reduction in catalytic performance. Systematic experimental and computational studies on a series of ylide-substituted phosphines featuring either a PPh3 (Ph YPhos) or PCy3 (Cy YPhos) moiety showed that the arene-gold interaction in the aryl-substituted compounds is efficiently compensated by the formation of Au⋅⋅⋅H-C hydrogen bonds. The strongest interaction is found with the C-H moiety next to the onium center, which due to the polarization results in remarkably strong interactions with the shortest Au⋅⋅⋅H-C hydrogen bonds reported to date. Calorimetric studies on the formation of the gold complexes further confirmed that the Ph YPhos and Cy YPhos ligands form similarly stable complexes. Consequently, both ligands showed the same catalytic performance in the hydroamination, hydrophenoxylation and hydrocarboxylation of alkynes, thus demonstrating that Au⋅⋅⋅H-C hydrogen bonds are equally suited for the generation of highly effective gold catalysts than gold-arene interactions. The generality of this observation was confirmed by a comparative study between a biaryl phosphine ligand and its cyclohexyl-substituted derivative, which again showed identical catalytic performance. These observations clearly support Au⋅⋅⋅H-C hydrogen bonds as fundamental secondary interactions in gold catalysts, thus further increasing the number of design elements that can be used for future catalyst construction.

The Elusive Au(I)···H-O Hydrogen Bond: Experimental Verification

Our long-standing interest in atypical bonding situations has recently led us to target complexes in which a metallobasic gold(I) center is hydrogen-bonded to a nearby OH functionality. Here, we report on the synthesis and characterization of two neutral gold(I) indazol-3-ylidene complexes bearing a carbinol or silanol group at the 4-position. As indicated by X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and extensive computational modeling, the OH group of these derivatives is engaged in a bona fide Au···H-O interaction. In addition to shedding light on an elusive bonding situation, these results also indicate that increasing the acidity of the OH functionality is not necessarily beneficial to the stability of the Au(I)···H-O interaction.

The interplay of carbophilic activation and Au(I)/Au(III) catalysis: an emerging technique for 1,2-difunctionalization of C-C multiple bonds

Gold complexes have emerged as the catalysts of choice for various functionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds due to their inherent carbophilic nature. In a parallel space, efforts to realize less accessible cross-coupling reactivity have led to the development of various strategies that facilitate the arduous Au(i)/Au(iii) redox cycle. The interplay of the two important reactivity modes encountered in gold catalysis, namely carbophilic activation and Au(i)/Au(iii) catalysis, has allowed the development of a novel mechanistic paradigm that sponsors 1,2-difunctionalization reactions of various C-C multiple bonds. Interestingly, the reactivity as well as selectivity obtained through this interplay could be complementary to that obtained by the use of various other transition metals that mainly involved the classical oxidative addition/migratory insertion pathways. The present review shall comprehensively cover all the 1,2-difunctionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds that have been realized by the interplay of the two important reactivity modes and categorized on the basis of the method that has been employed to foster the Au(i)/Au(iii) redox cycle.

Investigation of Solvatomorphism and Its Photophysical Implications for Archetypal Trinuclear Au3(1-Methylimidazolate)3

A new solvatomorph of [Au₃(1-Methylimidazolate)₃] (Au₃(MeIm)₃)—the simplest congener of imidazolate-based Au(I) cyclic trinuclear complexes (CTCs)—has been identified and structurally characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a dichloromethane solvate exhibiting remarkably short intermolecular Au⋯Au distances (3.2190(7) Å). This goes along with a dimer formation in the solid state, which is not observed in a previously reported solvent-free crystal structure. Hirshfeld analysis, in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, indicates that the dimerization is generally driven by attractive aurophilic interactions, which are commonly associated with the luminescence properties of CTCs. Since Au₃(MeIm)₃ has previously been reported to be emissive in the solid-state, we conducted a thorough photophysical study combined with phase analysis by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), to correctly attribute the photophysically active phase of the bulk material. Interestingly, all investigated powder samples accessed via different preparation methods can be assigned to the pristine solvent-free crystal structure, showing no aurophilic interactions. Finally, the observed strong thermochromism of the solid-state material was investigated by means of variable-temperature PXRD, ruling out a significant phase transition being responsible for the drastic change of the emission properties (hypsochromic shift from 710 nm to 510 nm) when lowering the temperature down to 77 K.