Luminescent Homo- and Heteropolynuclear Gold Complexes Stabilized by a Unique Acetylide Fragment

In this paper we describe the reactivity of the gold acetylide derivatives [Au(C≡CR)(PPh3)] (R = Ph, 2-py). Reactions of these complexes with fragments of the type [M(PPh3)2]+ (M = Au, Ag, Cu) afford a series of novel discrete molecules stabilized not only by interactions with the triple bond but also by the formation of strong metal–gold interactions. The crystal structures of the gold–gold and gold–silver species confirm their similar behavior, while X-ray diffraction establishes a different arrangement for the copper complex with pyridine acetylide as a consequence of the coordination of this metal center to the nitrogen atom of pyridine and to the carbons of the alkyne. The luminescent properties of the complexes were also studied.