The Quest for Mononuclear Gold(II) and Its Potential Role in Photocatalysis and Drug Action

Abstract

The chemistry of gold strongly focuses on the ubiquitous oxidation states +I and +III. The intermediate oxidation state +II is generally avoided in mononuclear gold species. In recent years, gold(II) has been increasingly suggested as a key intermediate in artificial photosynthesis systems, with gold(III) moieties acting as electron acceptors, as well as in gold-catalyzed photoredox catalysis and radical chemistry. This Minireview provides a concise summary of confirmed and characterized mononuclear open-shell gold(II) complexes. Recent findings on structural motifs and reactivity patterns will be discussed. Exciting developments in the fields of photosynthesis, photocatalysis, and potential roles in medicinal chemistry will be outlined.

Keywords: Jahn-Teller effects; electron transfer; gold; ligand design; unusual oxidation states.