Gold(III) chemistry – Gold-III

The unique properties of Au(III) complexes make them very appealing in catalysis but the rarity of stable yet reactive Au(III) complexes has so far limited the advent of Au(III) catalysis. This project aims at elaborating a library of well-defined Au(III) complexes and at opening a new facet in gold catalysis. It is composed of 3 phases: the development of new chelating/pincer ligand frameworks; the application of well-defined Au(III) complexes to an important catalytic transformation, the hydroarylation of alkynes and alkenes; the preparation and application of a new type of highly reactive complexes, electrophilic gold(III) carbene complexes. The project aims to gain good understanding of the key factors in play to rationally design/optimize well-defined Au(III) complexes relevant to catalysis. The research approach intimately combines thorough experimental studies in solution with advanced gas phase mass spectrometry investigations and state-of-the-art calculations.