The stability of gem-diaurated arene complexes [Au 2 (L) 2 (μ-aryl)] + has been investigated by collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Performed mass spectrometric experiments revealed the influence of arene-ring substituents and a gold supporting ligand L on the stability of the corresponding diaurated complexes. From the determined appearance energies it emerged that the electron-donating substituents (p-MeO, p-Me, m-MeO, m-Me) strengthen, while the electron-withdrawing ones (p-Cl, p-CN, p-NO 2 , m-Cl, m-CN, m-NO 2 ) weaken the three-center two-electron bond. More stable gem-diaurated complexes were found with electron-poor supporting ligands. It was found, however, that the electronic influences can be surpassed by the steric factors. Experimental results agree well with the performed DFT calculations at the mPW1PW91/cc-pVDZ:LanL2DZ(Au) level of theory.
■ INTRODUCTIONDinuclear gold complexes have been recently recognized as possible intermediates involved in gold-promoted catalytic transformations of alkynes. Generally, two classes of diaurated complexes are frequently mentioned in the context of gold catalysis, namely, σ,π-dicoordinated acetylides 1 and gemdiaurated vinyl and aryl complexes. 2 Collected experimental evidence convincingly showed that two gold centers can efficiently cooperate in the catalysis of chemical reactions via σ,π-activation of polyunsaturated substrates, typically diynes 3 or allenynes. 4 While the concept of dual σ,π-activation of a single substrate is being widely accepted, 5,6 the role of gem-diaurated complexes in gold catalysis remains still a subject of debate. Currently, the prevailing understanding is that gem-diaurated complexes are formed during the catalytic cycle rather as catalyst resting states than genuine reactive intermediates. 7 Still, the current upswing of gold catalysis brought about renewed interest in investigation of these species with particular focus on their preparation and structural characterization. 8,9 The groups of Gray 9a and Nolan 9b have developed convenient and general synthetic procedures affording gem-diaurated complexes smoothly and in high yields starting from arylboronic acids and suitable gold precursors.Our group reported a mechanistic study concerning the role of gem-diaurated complexes in the addition of methanol to alkynes catalyzed by Au(PMe 3 ) + . 10 Based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) experiments, NMR kinetics, infrared multiphoton dissociation spectroscopy (IRMPD), and DFT calculations, it was suggested that the gem-diaurated species are formed as reaction intermediates and that their formation is connected with a dual activation. As a part of our ongoing research efforts aimed at the study of reaction intermediates involved in gold promoted transformations, 10,11 we have decided to investigate a group of gem-diaurated complexes derived from selected arylboronic acids by means of energy-dependent collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments. The ...