Reactions of Gold(III) Complexes With Alkenes in Aqueous Solution -- Formation of beta-hydroxyalkylgold(III) Complexes

beta-hydroxyalkyl transition metal complexes are of interest as reaction intermediates in the oxidation of hydrocarbons. Complexes of this type are generally very unstable, and only a few examples have been isolated. The previously synthesized platinum complex cis-PtCl2(TPPTS)(C 2H4) reacts with water to generate acetaldehyde and ethanol, presumably through a beta-hydroxyethylplatinum(II) complex. Substitution of Pt(II) with isoelectronic Au(III) should improve the stability of the beta-hydroxyalkyl intermediate with respect to beta-hydride elimination, making the reaction more selective. Gold(III) complexes react with simple, unactivated alkenes in aqueous solution to form the corresponding beta-hydroxyethylgold(III) complexes, which then decompose to yield several organic products depending on the conditions employed. The synthesis, reactivity, and decomposition products of some beta-hydroxyethylgold(III) complexes are reported.