Studies on Gold-Nitrone Systems

A series of novel Au(I)–nitrone complexes with specific catalytic properties were prepared. Furthermore, Au(I)– and Au(III)–oxadiazole complexes were formed by a novel Au-generated nitrile–nitrone [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and the crystal structures of Au(I)–nitrones as well as the Au(I)– and Au(III)–oxadiazole complexes were studied (X-ray). A useful one-pot Au(III)-mediated cycloaddition method was developed for the formation of a number of dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, involving in situ formation of Au(III)–oxadiazole complexes. The observed Au(I) and Au(III) dual selective reactivity gives new understanding about the Au(I)– and Au(III)–nitrone chemistry.