A dimeric gold(I) triphospholyl complex

The reaction of 1-trimethylstannyl-3,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,2,4-triphosphol with PPh3AuCl affords [(1,2,4-triphospholyl)Au(PPh3)] (5) in high yield. NMR spectra of 5 are indicative for a highly dynamic compound in solution. The molecular structure of 5 in the solid state is that of the dimer [(1,2,4-triphospholyl)Au(PPh3)]2. Its most striking feature is a remarkable range of different metaltriphospholyl ligand bonds which create a pronounced asymmetric core of the molecule. The central AuAu distance of 3.14 Å indicates a weak interaction of the metal atoms.