Crystal and molecular structures of R3PAu(3-Hmba): R=Cy and Ph; 3-H2mba=3-mercaptobenzoic acid at 173 K: Steric control of aurophilic association

Abstract

Abstract The characterisation of R3PAu(3-Hmba) [R = Cy (1) and Ph (2); 3-H2mba = 3-mercaptobenzoic acid] is reported. The gold atoms exist in linear arrays defined by P- and S-donor atoms. The subtle combination of steric bulk of the phosphine ligands and steric profile of the thiolate ligand is demonstrated to exert control over the appearance of hydrogen-bonded or Au...Au-mediated dimer motifs.