Synthesis and Characterization of Silver(I), Gold(I), and Gold(III) Complexes Bearing Amino-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Abstract

1-[2-(Dialkylamino)ethyl]-3-methylimidazolium salts (alkyl = Me (1a), i-Pr (1b)) have been prepared and used as precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding [(NHC)2Ag][AgCl2] complexes (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene, Me (2a), i-Pr (2b)). Upon treatment of 2a with HBF4, crystals of the unprecedented, NHC-stabilized silver cluster [(NHC)4Ag10Cl10] (5) were obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals that the carbene carbon atom exists in the rare μ2-coordination pattern, bridging two Ag(I) atoms with further stabilization of the cluster by numerous argentophilic interactions and a coordination of the amino nitrogen donor to one of the silver atoms. Transmetalation of 2a,b with (R2S)AuCl leads to the respective Au(I) complexes 3a,b, which are further oxidized with Br2 to (NHC)AuBr2Cl (4a,b). In red crystals of 4a the gold atom is coordinated in the unusual square-pyramidal geometry with the amine nitrogen atom in the axial position. Upon dissolution in wet organic solve...