Postsynthetic Functionalization and Ligand Exchange Reactions in Gold(I) Phenylthiolate-based Coordination Polymers

Gold thiolate coordination polymers (CPs) are anisotropic materials with 1D or 2D networks exhibiting a large palette of photoluminescent properties. In this paper, we show that from both lamellar acid and ester, [Au(p-SPhCO2X)]n CPs (X = H, Me), it is possible to perform post-synthesis esterification or saponification reactions. Three new 2D phases with X = Na, K and Cs were isolated. In addition, ligand exchange reactions have been carried out from 1D [Au(p-SPh)]n CP and 2D [Au(p-SPhCO2X)]n CPs (X = H, Me) and the transformations from 1D to 2D structures and vice versa point out a mechanism of dissolution and recrystallization that is governed by the nature of the ligands and the presence of weak interactions. The obtained compounds exhibit solid state and RT photoemission characteristic of their structure.