Abstract
As part of our efforts to interface late transition metals with Lewis acidic main group fragments, we have decided to investigate gold complexes bearing halogermanes as Z-type ligands. Toward this end, we have synthesized complexes of general formula [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)2(Ph)(X)GeAuCl] (X = F, Cl). Experimental and computational analyses indicate the presence of an Au→Ge interaction in both cases. Chloride abstraction reactions have also been investigated. In the case of X = Cl, double chloride abstraction with AgSbF6 affords a putative dication that gradually abstracts fluoride from its counterion. This putative dication is also significantly more active as a catalyst than its monocationic analog in alkyne hydroamination reactions.