A Cavity-Shaped Gold(I) Fragment Enables CO2 Insertion into Au-OH and Au-NH Bonds

We have explored the insertionof the chemistry of CO2 into Au-OH and Au-NHbonds within the confiningenvironment of a cavity-shaped phosphine. This steric protection enablesto access a variety of unusual species, such as monomeric gold(I)carbonate, carbamate, urea, or hydride complexes. A cavity-shaped linear gold(I) hydroxide complex actsas a platformto access unusual gold monomeric species. Notably, this stericallycrowded gold fragment enables the trapping of CO2 via insertioninto Au-OH and Au-NH bonds to form unprecedented monomericgold(I) carbonate and carbamate complexes. In addition, we succeededin the identification of the first gold(I) terminal hydride bearinga phosphine ligand. The basic nature of the Au(I)-hydroxide moietyis also explored through the reactivity toward other molecules containingacidic protons such as trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and terminalalkynes.

Automated summary

We have examined the use of a cavity-shaped phosphine to facilitate the insertion of CO2 into Au-OH and Au-NH bonds. This approach allows access to various unusual species, including monomeric gold(I) carbonate, carbamate, urea, or hydride complexes. We have also discovered a cavity-shaped linear gold(I) hydroxide complex that serves as a platform for accessing unique gold monomeric species. This study contributes to the understanding of the reactivity and versatility of gold compounds.