Synthesis of [AuFe2(CO)8]3– and [Au4Fe4(CO)16]4– : X-ray structure of the [Au4Fe4(CO)16]4– cluster anion in its [NEt4]+ salt

Abstract

The new [AuFe₂(CO)₈]^3–and [Au₄Fe₄(CO)₁₆]^4– cluster anions are isolated from the reaction in THF of [Fe(CO)₄]^2– with [AuBr₂]^– salts in molar ratios of 2:1 and 1:1 respectively; as shown by an X-ray investigation on [NEt₄]₄[Au₄Fe₄(CO)₁₆] the [Au₄Fe₄(CO)₁₆]^4– cluster anion exists in two structural modifications consisting of a square and a rectangle of gold atoms, respectively, bridged by Fe(CO)₄ groups on the edges.