Single crystal neutron and X-ray diffraction studies of (H7O3)[AuCl4]·15-crown-5

Abstract

The single crystal neutron diffraction structure at 80 K of (H₇O₃)[AuCl₄]·15-crown-5 is presented. The H₇O₃⁺ ion is unsymmetrical with the positive charge lying predominantly at one end of the chain. The oxonium ion is stabilised by hydrogen bonding to the crown ethers to form an infinite hydrogen-bonded polymer, and also by a bifurcated interaction with the [AuCl₄]⁻ anion. The OH bond distances and H atom thermal ellipsoids indicate a profound influence of the hydrogen bonding network on the oxonium ion structure. Improved X-ray data are also reported.