Coordination of a Triphosphine–Silane to Gold: Formation of a Trigonal Pyramidal Complex Featuring Au+→Si Interaction

Coordination of the triphosphine–fluorosilane [o-(iPr2P)­C6H4]3SiF to AuCl results in the formation of a trigonal pyramidal cationic complex. Though cationic, the gold center acts as a Lewis base and is engaged in significant Au→Si interaction, as substantiated by X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. In solution, the P,P,P,Si tetracoordinate cationic complex coexists with a neutral P,P,Cl tricoordinate form, with a pendant phosphine buttress and without Au→Si interaction. The bonding situation in the two isomeric forms has been assessed by DFT calculations. Coordination of the third phosphine arm is shown to induce cationization and to play a key role in the presence of the Au→Si interaction.