Luminescent homo- and heteropolynuclear gold complexes stabilized by a unique acetylide fragment

Abstract

In this paper we describe the reactivity of the gold acetylide derivatives [Au(C≡CR)(PPh 3)] (R = Ph, 2-py). Reactions of these complexes with fragments of the type [M(PPh 3) 2] + (M = Au, Ag, Cu) afford a series of novel discrete molecules stabilized not only by interactions with the triple bond but also by the formation of strong metal-gold interactions. The crystal structures of the gold-gold and gold-silver species confirm their similar behavior, while X-ray diffraction establishes a different arrangement for the copper complex with pyridine acetylide as a consequence of the coordination of this metal center to the nitrogen atom of pyridine and to the carbons of the alkyne. The luminescent properties of the complexes were also studied. © 2011 American Chemical Society.