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

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.

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Author Ross A. Widenhoefer Chemistry