Preparation, X-ray crystal and electronic structure of the novel raft cluster [NbAuH2{C5H4(SiMe3)}2]3

Abstract

The reaction of (C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂NbH₃ with Au[N(SiMe₃)₂]PPh₃ produces the novel raft cluster [NbAuH₂{C₅H₄(SiMe₃)}₂]₃ in high yield; the structure consists of a gold triangle surrounded by 3 Cp′₂Nb groups (Cp′= C₅H₄SiMe₃) and 6 bridging hydrides [Au–Au 2.7635(20), 2.7571(18), and 2.7801(25)Å; Nb–Au 3.0321(25), 3.0326(25), and 2.9891(18)Å], MO calculations indicate a striking electronic stabilization of this geometry which may be of importance in other gold hydrides.