The reactivity of gold atoms generated by the photolysis of gold azide complexes in acetonitrile

The photolysis of gold azide complexes in CH3CN leads to the formation of colloidal gold and [AuI(CN)2]−. The gold atoms which are initially formed do not only agglomerate to colloidal particles but also react with the solvent. It is suggested that CH3CN adds oxidatively to atomic gold and [AuI(CN)2]− is generated in subsequent reactions.