Synthesis and structural characterization of the luminescent gold(I) complex [(MeTPA)3AuI]I3. Use of NaBPh4 as a phenyl-transfer reagent to form [(MeTPA)AuPh](BPh4) and (TPA)AuPh

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00009a022

The luminescent gold(I) complex [(MeTPA)₃AuI]I3·2H₂O (1) has been synthesized and structurally characterized, where [MeTPA]I is 1-methyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphaadamantane iodide. This complex shows an interesting temperature-dependent emission spectrum in the solid state. It gives a yellow emission (598 nm) at 77 K and an orange emission (686 nm) at 140 K. Compound 1 is soluble in water and undergoes an unusual phenyl-transfer reaction in aqueous solution with NaBPh₄ to form [(MeTPA)AuPh](BPh₄) (2). The closely related complex [(TPA)₃Au]Cl, containing the 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane ligand (TPA), also undergoes a similar reaction with NaBPh₄ to form (TPA)AuPh (3). Compounds 2 and 3 both have been crystallographically characterized.