P-P σ-bond activation by gold(I) coordination.

Bond activation by gold is of imminent interest with respect to catalytic activity. By coordination of an AuCl fragment onto the P-P σ-bond of an azadiphosphiridine, the P-P bond is cleaved to give a PNP type of ligand in the gold(I) complex. Another equivalent of the gold precursor selectively binds on a P lone pair. The bonding situation was further studied by means of computation, indicating the existence of a 3-center-2-electron bond.