Dinuclear NHC–gold(i)–thiolato and –alkynyl complexes: synthesis, anticancer activity, and catalytic activity in lactonization reactions

Abstract

A series of novel dinuclear NHC–gold–thiolato and –alkynyl complexes bearing aromatic linkers were successfully synthesized by an efficient and simple synthetic route. The catalytic activity of these complexes was tested in a lactonization reaction. The reaction proceeds in high efficiency, in short reaction time and under mild conditions, and is complementary to existing methods. Furthermore, the digold(I)–thiolato derivatives exhibit remarkable cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines.