Dinuclear NHC-gold()-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes: synthesis, anticancer activity, and catalytic activity in lactonization reactions

A series of novel dinuclear NHC-gold-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes bearing aromatic linkers were successfully synthesized by an efficient and simple synthetic route. The catalytic activity of these complexes was tested in a lactonization reaction. The reaction proceeds in high efficiency, in short reaction time and under mild conditions, and is complementary to existing methods. Furthermore, the digold( i )-thiolato derivatives exhibit remarkable cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines. A series of novel dinuclear NHC-gold-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes bearing aromatic linkers were successfully synthesized by an efficient and simple synthetic route.