Gas-phase generation of dinuclear Au(I)-Au(II) complexes by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

Alkali metal chloroaurates(III) were analysed by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Among a number of generated gas-phase ionic clusters, the unusual ions [MAu2Cl5](-) (were M stands for Na, K, Rb, Cs) were detected. The spectra of metastable ions and quantum mechanics calculations show the presence of unprecedented Au(I)-Au(II) interactions in the clusters.

Automated summary

Alkali metal chloroaurates(III) were analyzed using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, revealing unusual ions [MAu2Cl5](-) with unprecedented Au(I)-Au(II) interactions in the clusters, as indicated by the spectra of metastable ions and quantum mechanics calculations.