Unexpected synthesis of an Au2In2 tetrametallatricyclic complex from α-aminophosphines and formation of Au–In–P and Ag–In–P nanomaterials

Abstract

Four Au–(μ-phosphinite)–In units assemble to form an unprecedented Au₂In₂ 12-membered metallacycle which intersects at the In centres an 8-membered ring containing two In–μ–phosphinate linkages, resulting in a tricyclic structure. Thermal treatment of this complex and of its Ag(I) analog affords Au–In–P and Ag–In–P nanomaterials, respectively.