Polynuclear Gold [AuI]4, [AuI]8, and Bimetallic [AuI4AgI] Complexes: C−H Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds and Homogeneous Carbonylation of Amines

Abstract The synthesis of tetranuclear gold complexes, a structurally unprecedented octanuclear complex with a planar [Au I 8 ] core, and pentanuclear [Au I 4 M I ] (M=Cu, Ag) complexes is presented. The linear [Au I 4 ] complex undergoes C−H functionalization of carbonyl compounds under mild reaction conditions. In addition, [Au I 4 Ag I ] catalyzes the carbonylation of primary amines to form ureas under homogeneous conditions with efficiencies higher than those achieved by gold nanoparticles.