Synthesis and NMR spectroscopic investigation of salts containing the novel [Au(CF3)nX4−n]− (n=4–1, X=F, CN, Cl) anions

First examples for the syntheses of trifluoromethyl transition metal complexes by conversion of a cyano into a trifluoromethyl ligand are described. The fluorination of [nBu4N][Au(CN)4] with ClF in CH2Cl2 leads to the formation of a mixture of gold complexes of the type [AuFxCly(CF3)4−x−y]− (x=0–4, y=0–2). Ligand exchange reactions of [AuFxCly(CF3)4−x−y]− (x=0–4, y=0–2) with (CH3)3SiY (Y=Cl, CN) are performed resulting in anions of the type [AuYx(CF3)4−x]− (x=0–4). All products are characterised by 13C- and 19F NMR spectroscopy.