Arene C–H activation by gold(iii): solvent-enabled proton shuttling, and observation of a pre-metallation Au–arene intermediate

Abstract

Selective Au–C bond cleavage and arene–C–H activation in (C^N^C)Au(III) pincer complexes are reversible, leading to a solvent-dependent proton shuttling process. The ether-free cleavage products are non-fluxional and show weak gold(III)–arene interactions commensurate with intermediates postulated for CMD-type arene activation.