Synthesis of cationic gold(III) complexes using iodine(III)

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of cationic Au(III) complexes supported by nitrogen-based ligands. The syntheses are achieved by reacting Au(I) complexes [Au(N-Me-imidazole)2]+ and [Au(pyridine)(NHC)]+ with iodine(III) reagents PhI(OTf)(OAc) and [PhI(pyridine)2]2+ yielding a series of cationic gold(III) complexes. In contrast, reactions of phosphine ligated gold(I) complexes with iodine(III) reagents results in the oxidation of the phosphine ligand.