Unambiguous Spectroscopic Characterization of a Gold Difluorocarbene

Gold(I) carbenes, defined as [LAu═CR2]+, are key intermediates in catalysis. Their isolation is challenging due to the high electrophilic character of the carbene that cannot be tempered solely by π-backdonation from gold. Among those, the simple difluorocarbene complex has been invoked in several s...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Navarro, Miquel, Delaurenti, Louise, Pita-Milleiro, Alejandra, Campos, Jesús
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/408591
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/408591
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105016863752
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Alkylidene
Bulky phosphine
Carbene
Fluorine
Gold(I)
Ligand cavity
Descripción
Sumario:Gold(I) carbenes, defined as [LAu═CR2]+, are key intermediates in catalysis. Their isolation is challenging due to the high electrophilic character of the carbene that cannot be tempered solely by π-backdonation from gold. Among those, the simple difluorocarbene complex has been invoked in several studies, but attempts to isolate it have failed, while its identification remains questionable. In this study, we report the unambiguous spectroscopic characterization of the gold difluorocarbene complex [P–Au═CF2]+, providing key insights into its structural and electronic features. The kinetic stabilization of the carbene was only possible owing to the shielding offered by a congested and cavity-shaped phosphine that prevents decomposition under strict anhydrous conditions. Besides, the nature of the anion is key to provide further thermal stability for prolonged times.