Dinuclear gold() complexes: from bonding to applications

The last two decades have seen a veritable explosion in the use of gold( i ) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and phosphine (PR 3 ) ligands. Both ligand families have significantly contributed to the stability and design of a plethora of gold complexes. Design is oftentimes associated with application. Here, we wish to present an overview of the synthesis and structural properties of dinuclear gold( i ) complexes reported to date with their applications across numerous research areas. The last two decades have seen a veritable explosion in the use of gold( i ) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and phosphine (PR 3 ) ligands.