Synthesis of a Trigold Monocation: An Isolobal Analogue of [H3]+

Isolobal and isolatable: A triangular [L3Au3]+ ion, bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (L), is crystallographically characterized (see structure; Au yellow, C gray, N blue). Density functional theory suggests full valence delocalization among the gold atoms, with the HOMO composed largely of gold 6s orbitals and the LUMO comprising a degenerate pair. This orbital picture is analogous to that of [H3]+. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.