IMIDO-GOLD CLUSTERS - SYNTHESIS AND MAGNETIC-RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY OF GILDED DIAMINES

Aliphatic and aromatic diamines H2N-X-NH2 (X = -CH2CH2-,1,4-C6H4,1,3-C6H4,1,2-C6H4) were reacted in THF with 2 equiv of tris[(triphenylphosphine)gold(I)]oxygen(1+) tetrafluoroborate, [O(AuL)3]+BF4-, to yield bis(imido) cluster compounds of the type [(LAu)3N-X-N(AuL)3]2+(BF4-)2 (L = PPh3). The compounds were obtained as crystalline solids in high yields and were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. In the series of isomeric phenylene compounds, the increasing proximity of the two triaurioammonio substituents (para, meta, ortho) results in characteristic changes in H-1 and P-31 NMR spectroscopic features whose diagnostic value is assessed in relation to similar species. Further auration to give hypercoordinated species could not be accomplished.