Gold(I) and Gold(III) Complexes with Anionic Oxygen Donor Ligands: Hydroxo, Oxo and Alkoxo Complexes

The chemistry of gold(I) and gold(III) hydroxo, oxo and
alkoxo complexes containing organic co-ligands is
reviewed. Due to the high reactivity of the gold-oxygen
bond most of these species can be employed as useful
intermediates in many important processes. Alkoxides
are by far the most numerous class among these
species, and both gold(I) and gold(III) complexes are
known with a variety of alkoxides. The recent discovery
of the catalytic activity of some gold(I) and gold(III)
fluoroalkoxides has enlivened the interest towards this
class of compounds leading to new applications for
previously known complexes, as is the case for a
gold(III) siloxo complex which has found use as a
precursor for CVD, as well as for the synthesis of new
alkoxo derivatives. Another well represented and well
known class of compounds are the gold(I) oxo
complexes [O(AuPR3)3]+ which are the most effective
aurating reagents. Gold(III) oxo complexes have been
synthesized only recently and much of their chemistry
is still largely to be explored. Preliminary studies
suggest their potential in the transfer of oxygen atoms.
Finally, some cationic gold(III) hydroxo complexes are
found to display significant, and in some cases
relevant, cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines.