Di- and Trinuclear Gold Complexes of Diphenylphosphinoethyl-Functionalised Imidazolium Salts and their N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

Coordination Chemistry of Bis-Cyclic Alkyl(Amino) Carbene (cAAC)-Supported Di-Phosphorus (P2 ): An Efficient Route to Donor Base-Stabilized Elusive Di-Phosphorus-Monoxide(P2 O)-Gold Complex

The stability and reactivity studies of heavier di-atomic group-15 congeners of alkynes, e. g., the di-phosphorus (P≡P) compounds have been the topic of huge interest because of their contrasting transient properties and lower stability compared to those of the stable molecular di-nitrogen (N≡N). Herein, we depict the reactivity studies of the bis-cAAC-stabilized di-phosphorus (P2 ) having an inversely polarized phosphaalkene nature featuring the C=P double bonds with Au(I)Cl. Both the mono-, and the di-aurated phosphaalkenes with the formulae [(Me2 -cAAC=P)2 (AuCl)] (2), and [(Me2 -cAAC=P)2 (AuCl)2 ] (3), respectively have been isolated in the solid state. Moreover, for the first time, we have been able to isolate the cAAC-stabilized tetra-aurated elusive di-phosphorus-monoxide (P2 O) with the formula [(Cy-cAAC=P)-O-(P=cAAC-Cy)(AuCl)4 ] (5) in presence of oxygen. Complexes 2-3, 5 have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and further studied by NMR spectroscopy. Our findings reveal significant elongation of the CcAAC -P bonds in 2-3, 5, and the presence of aurophilic interaction in 5. Quantum chemical calculations, including density functional theory (DFT), and energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbitals for chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) have been performed to study the electron densities distribution and nature of bonding in 2-3, 5.

Steric and Electronic Effects in N-Heterocyclic Carbene Gold(III) Complexes: An Experimental and Computational Study

A series of neutral acridine-based gold(III)-NHC complexes containing the pentafluorophenyl (-C₆F₅) group were synthesized. All of the complexes were fully characterized by analytical techniques. The square planar geometry around the gold center was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1 (Trichloro [1-methyl-3-(9-acridine)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(III)) and 2 (Chloro-bis(pentafluorophenyl)[1-methyl-3-(9-acridine)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(III)). In both cases, the acridine rings play a key role in the crystal packing of the solid structures by mean of π-π stacking interactions, with centroid-centroid and interplanar distances being similar to those found in other previously reported acridine-based Au(I)-NHC complexes. A different reactivity when using a bulkier N-heterocyclic carbene ligand such as 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene (SIPr) was observed. While the use of the acridine-based NHC ligand led to the expected organometallic gold(III) species, the steric hindrance of the bulky SIPr ligand led to the formation of the corresponding imidazolinium cation stabilized by the tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)aurate(III) [Au(C₆F₅)₄]^- anion. Computational experiments were carried out in order to figure out the ground state electronic structure and the binding formation energy of the complexes and, therefore, to explain the observed reactivity.

Selective coordination of coinage metals using orthogonal ligand scaffolds

Group 11 metal complexes with their ability to form metallophilic interations are widely pursued to develop multifunctional luminescent materials. Heteronuclear coinage metal complexes are promising candidates to tune electronic and optical properties which are not readily accessed by their homometallic congeners. In this review, we present the concept of orthogonal ligands which are rationally designed to access heteronuclear coinage metal complexes and studied in terms of their photophysical properties. Bifunctional ligands containing soft and hard donor atoms have the potential of providing different coordination modes to selectively synthesise heterobimetallic complexes in a predictable manner. This review deals with ligand sets composed of pyridine, bipyridine- or iminopyridine-substituted NHCs featuring C-N coordination modes, phosphine-based N-heterocycles and amidinate ligand scaffolds comprising of P-N functionalities and mixed phosphine-phosphine oxide with P-O donor sites. Therefore, the scope of this perspective is the discussion of heteronuclear coinage metal complexes supported by recently developed bifunctional ligands in terms of their synthesis, coordination geometries and tunability of optical properties when compared to their homometallic analogues.

Gold(i) complexes bearing a PNP-type pincer ligand: photophysical properties and catalytic investigations

The synthesis and characterization of two dinuclear and five tetranuclear gold(i) complexes bearing the 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine diphosphane ligand (DPPMPY) are herein reported.

Bi- and trinuclear coinage metal complexes of a PNNP ligand featuring metallophilic interactions and an unusual charge separation

A selective synthesis of bi- and trinuclear complexes featuring a tetradentate monoanionic PNNP ligand is presented. The binuclear coinage metal complexes show a typical fourfold coordination for Cu and Ag, which changes to a bifold coordination for Au. The latter is accompanied by an unusual charge separation. Optical properties are investigated using photoluminescence spectroscopy and complemented by time-dependent density-functional-theory calculations. All compounds demonstrate clearly distinguished features dependent on the metals chosen and differences in the complex scaffold.

Selective formation of a supramolecular coordination complex in the nanometre scale with a ferrocene-based phospholane ligand

A straightforward synthesis of the tetradentate phospholane ligand 1 is reported. The 2 : 1 [M : L] reaction of 1 with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) resulted in the 4 : 2 [M : L] supramolecular coordination complex 2 where two ligands 1 are bridging four gold(I) cations. The formation of 2 can be rationalised via a geometrical analysis of the ligand. The coordination mode of the gold atoms was evaluated based on a CSD search, revealing the geometrical changes for a transition from linear to trigonal planar coordination environment.

Transition Metal Chain Complexes Supported by Soft Donor Assembling Ligands

The chemistry of discrete molecular chains constituted by metals in low oxidation states, displaying metal-metal proximity and stabilized by suitable metal-bridging, assembling ligands comprising at least one soft donor atom is comprehensively reviewed; complexes with a single (hard or soft) bridging atom (e.g., μ-halide, μ-sulfide, or μ-PR₂ etc.) as well as "closed" metal arrays (that fall in the realm of cluster chemistry) are excluded. The focus is on transition metal-based systems, with few excursions to cases combining transition and post-transition elements. Most relevant supporting ligands have neutral C, P, O, or S donor (mainly, N-heterocyclic carbene, phosphine, ether, thioether) or anionic donor (mainly phenyl, ylide, silyl, phosphide, thiolate) groups. A supporting-ligand-based classification of the metal chains is introduced, using as the classifying parameter the number of "bites" (i.e., ligand bridges) subtending each intermetallic separation. The ligands are further grouped according to the number of donor atoms interacting with the metal chain (called denticity in the following) and the column of the Periodic Table to which the set of donor atoms belongs (in ascending order). A complementary metal-based compilation of the complexes discussed is also provided in a concise tabular form.

Efficient Blue Phosphorescence in Gold(I)-Acetylide Functionalized Coinage Metal Bis(amidinate) Complexes

The synthesis of linear symmetric ethynyl- and acetylide-amidinates of the coinage metals is presented. Starting with the desilylation of the complexes [{Me3 SiC≡CC(NDipp)2 }2 M2 ] (Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) (M=Cu, Au) it is demonstrated that this compound class is suitable to serve as a versatile metalloligand. Deprotonation with n-butyllithium and subsequent salt metathesis reactions yield symmetric tetranuclear gold(I) acetylide complexes of the form [{(PPh3 )AuC≡CC(NDipp)2 }2 M2 ] (M=Cu, Au). The corresponding Ag complex [{(PPh3 )AuC≡CC(NDipp)2 }2 Ag2 ] was obtained by a different route via metal rearrangement. All compounds show bright blue or blue-green microsecond long phosphorescence in the solid state, hence their photophysical properties were thoroughly investigated in a temperature range of 20-295 K. Emission quantum yields of up to 41 % at room temperature were determined. Furthermore, similar emissions with quantum yields of 15 % were observed for the two most brightly luminescent complexes in thf solution.

Molecular gold strings: aurophilicity, luminescence and structure-property correlations

This review covers the compound class of one-dimensional gold strings. These compounds feature a formally infinite repetition of gold complexes as monomers/repeating units that are held together by aurophilic interactions, i.e. direct gold-gold contacts. Their molecular structures are primarily determined in the solid state using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The chemical composition of the employed gold complexes is diverse and furthermore plays a key role in terms of structure characteristics and the resulting properties. One of the most common features of gold strings is their photoluminescence upon UV excitation. The emission energy is often dependent on the distance of adjacent gold ions and the electronic structure of the whole string. In terms of gold strings, these parameters can be fine-tuned by external stimuli such as solvent, pH value, pressure or mechanical stress. This leads to direct structure-property correlations, not only with regard to the photophysical properties, but also electric conductivity for potential application in nanoelectronics. Concerning these correlations, gold strings, consisting of self-assembled individual complexes as building blocks, are the ideal compound class to look at, as perturbations by an inhomogeneity in the ligand sphere (such as the end of a molecule) can be neglected. Therefore, the aim of this review is to shed light on the past achievements and current developments in this area.

A Phosphine Functionalized β-Diketimine Ligand for the Synthesis of Manifold Metal Complexes

A bis(diphenyl)-phosphine functionalized β-diketimine (PNac-H) was synthesized as a flexible ligand for transition metal complexes. The newly designed ligand features symmetrically placed phosphine moieties around a β-diketimine unit, forming a PNNP-type pocket. Due to the hard and soft donor atoms (N vs. P) the ligand can stabilize various coordination polyhedra. A complete series ranging from coordination numbers 2 to 6 was realized. Linear, trigonal planar, square planar, tetrahedral, square pyramidal, and octahedral coordination arrangements containing the PNac-ligand around the metal center were observed by using suitable metal sources. Hereby, PNac-H or its anion PNac- acts as mono-, bi- and tetradendate ligand. Such a broad flexibility is unusual for a rigid tetradentate system. The structural motifs were realized by treatment of PNac-H with a series of late transition metal precursors, for example, silver, gold, nickel, copper, platinum, and rhodium. The new complexes have been fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, IR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry as well as elemental analysis. Additionally, selected complexes were investigated regarding their photophysical properties. Thus, PNac-H proved to be an ideal ligand platform for the selective coordination and stabilization of various metal ions in diverse polyhedra and oxidation states.

Functionalised N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands in Bimetallic Architectures

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have become immensely successful ligands in coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis due to their strong terminal σ-donor properties. However, by targeting NHC ligands with additional functionalisation, a new area of NHC coordination chemistry has developed that has enabled NHCs to be used to build up bimetallic and multimetallic architectures. This minireview covers the development of functionalised NHC ligands that incorporate additional donor sites in order to coordinate two or more metal atoms. This can be through the N-atom of the NHC ring, through a donor group attached to the N-atom or the carbon backbone, coordination of the π-bond or an annulated π-donor on the backbone, or through direct metalation of the backbone.

Dinuclear gold(i) complexes: from bonding to applications

The last two decades have seen a veritable explosion in the use of gold(i) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and phosphine (PR₃) ligands.

A dimolybdenum paddlewheel as a building block for heteromultimetallic structures

A series of heteromultimetallic complexes, containing a Mo₂⁴⁺core unit, were synthesized based on a bifunctional phosphine–carboxylic acid ligand system, leadingi.e.to the formation of supramolecular structuresviaaurophilic interactions.

Bis(diphenylphosphinyl)-functionalized dipyrido-annulated NHC towards copper(i) and silver(i)

Sterically rigid bis(phosphinyl)dipyrido-annulated NHC coordinates with Ag(i) and Cu(i) centres to form luminescent multinuclear complexes.

Phosphine-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles as P,C- and P,N-ligands for photoluminescent coinage metal complexes

A series of homo- and hetero-polynuclear coinage metal complexes based on a phosphine-substituted 1,2,3-triazole system was synthesized.

Crystal structure of [{FeCl3}2(μ-PCHP)2] [PCHP = 1,3-bis-(2-di-phenyl-phosphanyleth-yl)-3H-imidazol-1-ium] with an unknown solvent

The crystal structure of the title compound, bis-{μ-1,3-bis-[2-(di-phenyl-phosphan-yl)eth-yl]-1H-imidazole-κ2 P:P'}bis-[tri-chlorido-iron(III)], [Fe2Cl6(C31H31N2P2)2] or [{FeCl3}2(μ-PCHP)2] (PCHP = C31H31N2P2), consists of dinuclear complexes that are located about centres of inversion. The FeIII cation is in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination with three chloride ligands located in the trigonal plane and two P atoms of symmetry-related PCHP ligands occupying the axial positions. Within the centrosymmetric complex, a pair of intra-molecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds between aromatic CH groups and chloride ligands are found. Individual complexes are linked into layers parallel to (01) by inter-molecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. No pronounced inter-molecular inter-actions occur between these layers. This arrangement leaves space for disordered solvent mol-ecules. Electron density associated with these additional solvent mol-ecules was removed with the SQUEEZE procedure in PLATON [Spek (2015 ▸). Acta Cryst. C71, 9-18]. The given chemical formula and other crystal data do not take into account the unknown solvent mol-ecule(s).

Linear CuI2 Pd0 , CuI Pd02 , and AgI2 Pd0 Metal Chains Supported by Rigid N,N'-Diphosphanyl N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Metallophilic Interactions

Selective copper(I) to palladium(0) transmetallation of P-donors from the rigid N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene C₃ H₂ [NP(tBu)₂ ]₂ (PC^NHC P) was observed when known [Cu₃ (μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₃ was reacted with [Pd(PPh₃ )₄ ]. When 1.2 equivalents of [Pd(PPh₃ )₄ ] was used, the product [Cu₂ Pd(μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₂ (2(OTf)₂ ) was obtained, which features a Cu^I -Cu^I -Pd⁰ chain and appears to be the first linear heterotrinuclear complex with d¹⁰ -d¹⁰ interactions between Pd⁰ and Cu^I . When the Cu₃ precursor was reacted with 3.0 equivalents of [Pd(PPh₃ )₄ ], the complex [CuPd₂ (μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₂ (3(OTf)₂ ) was obtained, which, on the basis of magnetic measurements, DFT calculations, and computed nuclear shieldings, was formulated as containing a Pd⁰ -Cu^I -Pd⁰ chain with an electron hole delocalized over the whole cation, including the metal chain. Similarly, selective transmetallation of the P-donors in [Ag₃ (μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₃ from silver to palladium (originating from [Pd(PPh₃ )₄ ]) gave the linear chain [Ag₂ Pd(μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₂ (5(OTf)₂ ), which on the basis of NMR spectroscopy comprises an Ag^I -Ag^I -Pd⁰ metal core. However, X-ray diffraction data collected on various samples of 5(OTf)₂ were modeled with 50:50 metal disorder at the terminal positions, corresponding to a (Ag^I /Pd⁰ )-Ag^I -(Ag^I /Pd⁰ ) formulation. Upon standing in solution, 5(OTf)₂ transformed to 6(OTf)₂ , the regioisomer of 5(OTf)₂ in which the Pd center has migrated to the central position of an Ag^I -Pd⁰ -Ag^I chain. Prolonged standing in CH₂ Cl₂ or by reaction with [PtCl₂ (NCMe)₂ ] converts complex 6(OTf)₂ to the Ag^I /Pd^II complex [Ag₂ PdCl₂ (μ₃ -PC^NHC P,κP,κC^NHC ,κP)₂ ](OTf)₂ (7(OTf)₂ ). The structural data of 2(OTf)₂ , 3(OTf)₂ , and 7(OTf)₂ establish significant heterometallophilic interactions.

Bimetallic d10 -Metal Complexes of a Bipyridine Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbene

The hybrid ligand 3-(2,2'-bipyridine-6-ylmethyl)-1-mesityl-1H-imidazolylidene (NHC^Bipy ) featuring both carbene and N-donor sites, was selectively complexed with various d¹⁰ metal cations in order to examine its coordination behavior with regard to homo and heterometallic structures. Respective silver complexes can be obtained by the silver oxide route and are suitable transmetallation reagents for the synthesis of gold(I) compounds. Starting from the mononuclear complexes [(NHC^Bipy )AuCl], [(NHC^Bipy )Au(C₆ F₅ )] and [(NHC^Bipy )₂ Au][ClO₄ ], open-chain as well as cyclic heterobimetallic complexes containing Cu⁺ , Ag⁺ , Zn²⁺ , Cd²⁺ , and Hg²⁺ were synthesized. Furthermore, the homobimetallic species [(NHC^Bipy )₂ M₂ ][ClO₄ ]₂ (M=Cu, Ag) were obtained. All bimetallic compounds were fully characterized including single-crystal X-ray analysis. Their photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated in the solid state at temperatures between 15 and 295 K and compared with those of the mononuclear species. There is a clear difference in PL properties between the open chain and the cyclic heterobimetallic complexes. The latter species show different PL properties, depending on the metals involved. In addition, collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments were performed on electrosprayed cations of the cyclic heterobimetallic compounds, to compare the metal binding at the carbene and N-donor sites.

Highly efficient cold-white light emission in a [Au2CuCl2(P∩N)2]PF6 type salt

In the trinuclear, heterometallic cluster compound [Au₂CuCl₂(P∩N)₂]PF₆ metallophilic interactions give rise to very efficient cold-white light emission as a result of at least two thermally non-equilibrated emissive triplet states (one of mainly Cu → py and the other of Au → py character, respectively) with exceptional spin-orbit coupling and short emission lifetimes, which are competitive to Pt^II- and Ir^III-based emitters.

Relevance of Orbital Interactions and Pauli Repulsion in the Metal-Metal Bond of Coinage Metals

The importance of relativity and dispersion in metallophilicity has been discussed in numerous studies. The existence of hybridization in the bonding between closed shell d¹⁰–d¹⁰ metal atoms has also been speculated, but the presence of attractive MO interaction in the metal–metal bond is still a matter of an ongoing debate. In this comparative study, a quantitative molecular orbital analysis and energy decomposition is carried out on the metallophilic interaction in atomic dimers (M⁺···M⁺) and molecular perpendicular [H₃P–M–X]₂ (where M = Cu, Ag, and Au; X = F, Cl, Br, and I). Our computational studies prove that besides the commonly accepted dispersive interactions, orbital interactions and Pauli repulsion also play a crucial role in the strength and length of the metal–metal bond. Although for M⁺···M⁺ the orbital interaction is larger than the Pauli repulsion, leading to a net attractive MO interaction, the bonding mechanism in perpendicular [H₃P–M–X] dimers is different due to the larger separation between the donor and acceptor orbitals. Thus, Pauli repulsion is much larger, and two-orbital, four-electron repulsion is dominant.

Attract and repel: Our computational studies on the metallophilic interaction in atomic dimers (M⁺···M⁺) and molecular perpendicular [H₃P−M−X]₂ (where M = Cu, Ag, and Au; X = F, Cl, Br, and I) prove that besides the commonly accepted dispersive interactions attractive and repulsive MO interactions play a crucial role in metallophilicity.

Remarkable catalytic activity of dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing NHC-based PCP-pincer ligands toward nitrogen fixation

Intensive efforts for the transformation of dinitrogen using transition metal-dinitrogen complexes as catalysts under mild reaction conditions have been made. However, limited systems have succeeded in the catalytic formation of ammonia. Here we show that newly designed and prepared dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene- and phosphine-based PCP-pincer ligands [{Mo(N₂)₂(PCP)}₂(μ-N₂)] (1) work as so far the most effective catalysts towards the formation of ammonia from dinitrogen under ambient reaction conditions, where up to 230 equiv. of ammonia are produced based on the catalyst. DFT calculations on 1 reveal that the PCP-pincer ligand serves as not only a strong σ-donor but also a π-acceptor. These electronic properties are responsible for a solid connection between the molybdenum centre and the pincer ligand, leading to the enhanced catalytic activity for nitrogen fixation.

Defined tetranuclear coinage metal chains

Heterodimetallic gold/copper and gold/silver complexes were synthesized, and feature an unprecedented V-shape or linear MAu₂M (M = Cu, Ag) setup in the solid state. Photoluminescence properties of the complexes strongly depend on the metal.

Tuning the fluorescence emission in mononuclear heteroleptic trigonal silver(i) complexes

Mononuclear heteroleptic trigonal planar silver(i) complexes have been prepared and characterized, both in solution and in the solid state. Their luminescent behavior was investigated, showing a tunable emission maxima according to the electronic properties of the phosphorous ligand, in the solid state.

Mono- and dimeric complexes of an asymmetric heterotopic P,CNHC,pyr ligand

An asymmetric heterotopic ligand (S-N(Me)CP) containing a central bicyclic, expanded-ring NHC with one pyridyl and one phosphine exo-substituent has been synthesised and its coordination chemistry with selected late transition metals investigated. The amidinium precursor [S-N(Me)CHP]PF6 shows variable coordination modes with Ag(i), Cu(i) and Au(i) depending on the L : M ratio. The reaction of two mols of [S-N(Me)CHP]PF6 with [Cu(MeCN)4]BF4, AgBF4 or Au(THT)Cl gives the bis-ligand complexes [Cu(κ-P-N(Me)CHP)2(CH3CN)2]BF4·(PF6)2, 1, and [M(κ-P-N(Me)CHP)2]X·(PF6)2 (3: M = Ag, X = BF4; 6: M = Au, X = Cl) respectively. The 1 : 1 reaction of [S-N(Me)CHP]PF6 with AgOTf gave the head-to-tail dimer H,T-[Ag2(μ-N,P-N(Me)CHP)2(μ-OTf)2](PF6)2, 2, whereas the analogous reaction with Au(THT)Cl gave monomeric [Au(κ-P-N(Me)CHP)Cl]PF6, 5. Complex 2 was converted to H,T-[Ag2(μ-C,P-N(Me)CP)2](PF6)2, 4, upon addition of base, while 6 gave [Au(κ-C-N(Me)CP)2]Cl, 8, when treated likewise. Reaction of [S-N(Me)CHP]PF6 with Ni(1,5-COD)2 gave the oxidative addition/insertion product [Ni(κ(3)-N,C,P-N(Me)CP)(η(3)-C8H13)]PF6, 9, which converted to [Ni(κ(3)-N,C,P-N(Me)CP)Cl]PF6, 10, upon exposure of a CHCl3 solution to air. Complex 10 showed conformational isomerism that was also present in [Rh(κ(3)-N,C,P-N(Me)CP)(CO)]PF6, 14, prepared from the precursor complex [Rh(κ-P-N(Me)CHP)(acac)(CO)]PF6, 13, upon heating in C6H5Cl. [Pt(κ(3)-N,C,P-N(Me)CP)(Cl)]PF6, 12, derived from trans-[Pt(κ-P-N(Me)CHP)2(Cl)2](PF6)2, 11, was isolated as a single conformer.

Coinage metal complexes with bridging hybrid phosphine-NHC ligands: synthesis of di- and tetra-nuclear complexes

A series of P-NHC-type hybrid ligands containing both PR2 and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donors on meta-bis-substituted phenylene backbones, L(Cy), L(tBu) and L(Ph) (R = Cy, tBu, Ph, respectively), was accessed through a modular synthesis from a common precursor, and their coordination chemistry with coinage metals was explored and compared. Metallation of L(Ph)·n(HBr) (n = 1, 2) with Ag2O gave the pseudo-cubane [Ag4Br4(L(Ph))2], isostructural to [Ag4Br4(L(R))2] (R = Cy, tBu) (T. Simler, P. Braunstein and A. A. Danopoulos, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 2015, 54, 13691), whereas metallation of ·HBF4 (R = Ph, tBu) led to the dinuclear complexes [Ag2(L(R))2](BF4)2 which, in the solid state, feature heteroleptic Ag centres and a 'head-to-tail' (HT) arrangement of the bridging ligands. In solution, interconversion with the homoleptic 'head-to-head' (HH) isomers is facilitated by ligand fluxionality. 'Head-to-tail' [Cu2Br2(L(R))2] (R = Cy, tBu) dinuclear complexes were obtained from L(R)·HBr and [Cu5(Mes)5], Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, which also feature bridging ligands and heteroleptic Cu centres. Although the various ligands L(R)l ed to structurally analogous complexes for R = Cy, tBu and Ph, the rates of dynamic processes occurring in solution are dependent on R, with faster rates for R = Ph. Transmetallation of both NHC and P donor groups from [Ag4Br4(L(tBu))2] to AuI by reaction with [AuCl(THT)] (THT = tetrahydrothiophene) led to L(tBu) transfer and to the dinuclear complex [Au2Cl2L(tBu)] with one L(tBu) ligand bridging the two Au centres. Except for the silver pseudo-cubanes, all other complexes do not exhibit metallophilic interactions.

A Bis(Diphosphanyl N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Gold Complex: A Synthon for Luminescent Rigid AuAg2 Arrays and Au5 and Cu6 Double Arrays

A mononuclear bis(NHC)/Au(I) (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) cationic complex with a rigid bis(phosphane)-functionalized NHC ligand (PC(NHC)P) was used to construct linear Au3 and Ag2 Au arrays, a Au5 cluster with two intersecting crosslike Au3 arrays, and an unprecedented Cu6 complex with two parallel Cu3 arrays. The impact of metallophilic interactions on photoluminescence was studied experimentally.