Synthesis and characterisation of a pseudohalide derivative of Au–Pd cluster compound: X-ray crystal and molecular structure of [(dmpi)2Pd(AuPPh3)6](NO3)2

A new phosphine stabilised Au–Pd cluster compound [(dmpi)2Pd(AuPPh3)6](NO3)2 (1) was prepared by direct reaction of dmpi=2,6 dimethyl phenyl isonitrile with the cluster [(PPh3)Pd(AuPPh3)6](NO3)2 (2) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The structure of this cluster is in agreement with 31P{1H} NMR and FABMS data. Two isonitrile groups substitute the PPh3 group in the cluster 2. Infrared data confirm (NO3) as the counterion. Single crystal X-ray diffraction results show that 1 has a spheroidal structure in which the PdAu6 framework has a Pd centred atom. Compound 1 crystallises as a diethyl ether solvate with the following crystal data: monoclinic space group P21/c, a=25.2737(2), b=19.1781(3), c=25.4434(4) Å, β=103.065 (1)°, V=12013.2(3) Å3, Z=4, residuals R=0.0679 and Rw=0.0769 for 8192 observed reflexions and 300 variables, Mo Kα radiation, −100 °C.