Effects of Electronic and Steric Factors in Gold(I) Phosphine Thiolate Complexes
Author Information
Author(s): Janet Foley, Raymond C. Fort, Jr., Katherine McDougal, Mitchell R. M. Bruce, Alice E. Bruce
Primary Institution: University of Maine
Hypothesis
Bulky substituents on thiolate ligands hinder the close approach of gold atoms in dinuclear complexes.
Conclusion
The study concludes that sterically bulky thiolates prevent gold atoms from coming too close together in dinuclear complexes.
Supporting Evidence
- The complexes with bulky thiolates were white and showed only one peak in NMR experiments.
- The 3,5-dimethyl complex was yellow and showed two peaks at low temperature.
- Variable temperature NMR experiments indicated that the more sterically bulky thiolates hinder the close approach of the gold atoms.
Takeaway
This study looks at how different shapes of molecules affect how gold atoms interact with each other. Bigger shapes make it harder for the gold atoms to get close.
Methodology
The study used variable temperature NMR experiments and molecular mechanics calculations to analyze the complexes.
Limitations
The study does not definitively establish gold-gold interactions in solution.
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