κ3-(N∧C∧C)Gold(III) Carboxylates: Evidence for Decarbonylation Processes

Gold(III) carboxylate species, stabilized by a kappa(3)-((NCC)-C-boolean AND-C-boolean AND) ligand template, are presented herein. A eta(1)-Au-III-C(O)-OH species has been characterized under cryogenic conditions as a result of the nucleophilic attack of an ammonium hydroxide onto a dinuclear mu-CO2-kappa(3)((NCC)-C-boolean AND-C-boolean AND)Au-III precursor. Thermal decomposition for these species proceeds by an unusual decarbonylation process, in contrast to typical decarboxylation pathways observed in related metallocarboxylic acids.