Bridging (methylene)gold(III) ylide dimers: The reactivity of and a possible intermediate involved in its generation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00086a030

The reaction of neat CH2X′X (X = Cl, X′ = Br, I) with [Au(CH₂)₂PPh₂)₂ initially gives the dinuclear Au(II) alkyl halide [Au(CH₂)₂PPh₂]₂(CH ₂X)X′ that has been characterized in solution and by X-ray crystallography. Upon standing in this solvent the Au(II) alkyl halide adduct gives the bridging (methylene)gold(III) ylide dimer. The bridging (methylene)gold(III) complex undergoes a halogen substitution reaction with AgE (1:2) (E = CN, SCN, OOCPh). Diazomethane addition to [Au(CH₂)₂PPh₂)₂Br₂ gives (μ-CH₂)[Au(CH₂)₂PPh₂] ₂Br₂.