Non-conventional hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces that support embedding mesitylgold into a tailored bis(amidine) framework

A bis(amidine) ligand operates as a molecular lock for two AuMes fragments. The resulting complex retains a flexible double macrocycle with two non-conventional N-HMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSISCipso hydrogen bonds and distinct intramolecular dispersion forces. Instead of unfolding of the double-ring structure through bond rupture in solution, a conformational ring inversion is observed.

Automated summary

The complex formed by a bis(amidine) ligand with two AuMes fragments retains a flexible double macrocycle with non-conventional N-H bonds and distinct intramolecular dispersion forces. Instead of unfolding in solution, a conformational ring inversion is observed.