Synthesis and X-ray structure study on new Au(I) polymer architectures based on multi-sulfur tentacles

Multi-thiolate ligands are used as a scaffold to construct a series of supramolecules, which cover the following entries; [(1,3-S2–C6H4){AuP(C6H4–3-CF3)3}2]n (1), [(1,4-S2–C6H4){AuP(C6H4–3-CF3)3}2]n (2), (1,4-S2–C6H4){AuP(C6H5)2(2-pyridine)}2 (3), [(1,3,5-S3–C6H3){AuP(C6H5)2(2-pyridine)}3]n (4), and [(1,3,5-S3–C6H3){AuP(C6H4–3-CF3)3}3]n (5). The molecular and crystal structures of these new derivatives have been elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Aurophilic interactions have been demonstrated for 1, 2, 4, and 5 to produce new supramolecular architectures. Nano-channels are formed by aurophilic and π–π interactions for 1, in which benzene molecules are trapped. An 8 (eight)-shaped loop is formed in solid state for 2. Infinite zigzag chains are constructed for 4 and 5.