Reductive carbonylation of gold(III) chloride

Abstract

The reaction of anhydrous AuCl₃ with CO in thionyl chloride gives [Au(CO)Cl] in substantially quantitative yields. The reaction takes place via the intermediate formation of a soluble carbonyl species which has been characterised spectroscopically and is believed to be a mixed-valence carbonyl complex of formula [Au₂(CO)Cl₄]. Under nitrogen or argon, AuCl₃ and [Au(CO)Cl] give an insoluble microcrystalline substance of analytical formula AuCl₂, which further reacts with CO to yield [Au(CO)Cl].