Phosphine-gold(I) derivatives of 1,1′-bis(alkynyl)metallocenes: Molecular structures of Fc'(CCX)2 [X = Au(PPh3), SiMe 3] and Au4{(CC)2Fc'}2(PPh 3)2 [Fc' = Fe(η-C5H4-) 2]

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.jorganchem.2010.04.026

Desilylation of Fc'(CCSiMe₃)₂ [1; Fc' = Fe(η-C₅H₄^-)₂] with LiMe or KOH/MeOH, followed by addition of AuCl(PR₃), afforded Fc'{CCAu(PR₃)}₂ [R = Ph 2a, tol 2b]; the Ru analogue of 2a was also prepared. The XRD structures of 1 and 2a are reported. In the presence of CuI, a similar reaction over 2 h afforded the Au₄ cluster Au ₄{(CC)₂Fc'}₂(PPh₃)₂ 3. The X-ray determined structure of 3 showed a planar centrosymmetric Au ₄ rhomb, two opposed Au atoms being σ-bonded to the CC group, while the other two Au atoms are each η²-bonded to the CC group and a PPh₃ ligand. The novel cluster complex Au₄{(CC) ₂Fc'}₂(PPh₃)₂ 3 has been obtained by desilylation of Fc'(CCSiMe₃)₂ [Fc' = Fe(η-C ₅H₄-)₂] with LiMe or KOH/MeOH, followed by addition of AuCl(PR₃) in the presence of CuI.