Synthesis of a (N,C,C) Au(iii) pincer complex via Csp3–H bond activation: increasing catalyst robustness by rational catalyst design†
Abstract
A (N,CAr,CAlk) Au(III) pincer complex has been synthesized from Au(OAc)3 (OAc = OCOCH3) and 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)pyridine (L1) involving a Csp3–H bond activation by electrophilic substitution. In agreement with DFT calculations, the resulting complex significantly improves the performance of Au(tpy)(OAcF)2 (tpy = 2-(p-tolyl)pyridine, OAcF = OCOCF3) in the catalytic trifluoroacetylation of acetylene.
- This article is part of the themed collection: In celebration of Richard Andersen’s 75th birthday