Synthesis, characterization and luminescence of silver(I) and gold(I) complexes bearing a diethyl acetal functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene

Abstract

1-(2,2′-Diethoxyethyl)-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide, 1, has been prepared and used as a precursor for the synthesis of the corresponding silver bromide complex [(NHC)2Ag][AgBr2], 2. Transmetallation of 2 with (tht)AuBr (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) yields (NHC)AuBr, 3. The solid-state structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealing a loose aggregation of the complexes by weak metal-metal interactions. Due to the presence of these contacts, both complexes are emissive in the solid state. © 2011 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, Tübingen.