Synthesis of cluster complexes containing Au2(PPh3)2 moieties: isolobal models of the interaction of H2 with metal clusters. X-Ray structure of Au2Fe2Ir(µ4-C2Ph)(CO)7(PPh3)3

Abstract

Reactions of several metal cluster complexes with [O{Au(PPh₃)}₃][BF₄] in the presence of [ppn]⁺ salts [ppn =(Ph₃P)₂N] have given derivatives containing two Au(PPh₃) moieties in which an Au–Au bond may or may not be present; in the title complex, an unusual Au–C interaction is present, which may model an intermediate stage in the addition of H₂[isolobal with Au₂(PPh₃)₂] to the parent Fe₂Ir acetylide cluster, which reaction affords the hydrido-vinylidene complex Fe₂Ir(µ-H)(µ₃-CCHPh)(CO)₈(PPh₃).