Electronic and circular dichroism spectra of gold(I) complexes having sulphur- and phosphorus-containing ligands

Abstract

The electronic and circular dichroism spectra of some gold(I) complexes of the type [AuX(PR₃)](R = Ph or Et; X = Cl, L-cysteinate, D-penicillaminate, or thiomalate), together with gold(I) complexes of the sulphur ligands alone, have been examined. Between 33 000 and 50 000 cm^–1 the spectra are complex but appear to be dominated by transitions arising from molecular orbitals located mainly on the PR₃ and gold moieties. At lower energies, spectra due to sulphur-to-gold transitions are observed which appear to form a consistent pattern characteristic of this type of bond.