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.