Synthesis of neutral and cationic NHC-Au complexes as nanoparticle precursors

Abstract The synthesis of organometallic gold complexes with symmetric N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (NHC) derivatives derived from 2-(methylthio)aniline is reported. These complexes were obtained as either molecular monocarbene complexes [Au(NHC)Cl], [Au(NHC)Cl3], and [Au(NHC)Br3]) or cationic biscarbene complex [Au(NHC)2]PF6. These compounds were tested as gold nanoparticle precursors that were stabilized by the corresponding NHC ligand.