Heterobimetallic rhodium–gold halide and hydride complexes

Heterobimetallic RhIAuIhalide complexes react with LiHBEt3 to afford the corresponding hydride, and they are oxidised by halogen to afford thermally stable RhIIAuII complexes. The hydride complex reacts with acid and halogen sources to produce H2 and HCl, respectively. The RhIIAuII complexes exhibit optical and photochemical properties that are derived from the bimetallic core.