Solid-state and dynamic solution behavior of a cationic, two-coordinate gold(I) π-allene complex

Abstract

The cationic gold π-allene complex {[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] Au[η2-H2C=C=C(CH3)2]} +SbF6- was isolated in 98% yield from reaction of 3-methyl-1,2-butadiene with a mixture of [P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl]AuCl and AgSbF6 and was characterized by X-ray crystallography and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy. These studies revealed preferential binding of gold to the less substituted C=C bond of the allene in both the solid state and solution and also revealed fluxional behavior consistent with π-face exchange of the allene ligand via an η1-C2 allene intermediate or transition state. © 2010 American Chemical Society.