Polynuclear Gold [Au^I]₄, [Au^I]₈, and Bimetallic [Au^I₄Ag^I] Complexes: C−H Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds and Homogeneous Carbonylation of Amines

Abstract

The synthesis of tetranuclear gold complexes, a structurally unprecedented octanuclear complex with a planar [Au(I) 8 ] core, and pentanuclear [Au(I) 4 M(I) ] (M=Cu, Ag) complexes is presented. The linear [Au(I) 4 ] complex undergoes C-H functionalization of carbonyl compounds under mild reaction conditions. In addition, [Au(I) 4 Ag(I) ] catalyzes the carbonylation of primary amines to form ureas under homogeneous conditions with efficiencies higher than those achieved by gold nanoparticles.