Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

A range of novel simple gold(III) compounds has been synthesized in their monocrystalline form, including two previously unknown chloro-complexes of Au3+ with 2-cyanopyridine or 3-cyanopyridine, respectively. Our investigations have revealed the intricate nature of the reaction between 2-cyanopyridine and tetrachloroauric acid, yielding at least three distinct products. The main product, obtained in high yield, is a salt featuring a tetrachloroauric anion and a pyridinium cation stabilized by a hydrogen bond to a further 2-cyanopyridine molecule. Moreover, we observed the in-situ formation of a 2-cyanopyridine-AuCl3 complex, which undergoes hydrolysis of the nitrile bond to yield a picolinamide-Au(III) complex. The complexes were characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopies, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal XRD studies. Additional computational studies were conducted to explain unusual spectral features, the observed disparities in the complexation reactions of the three isomeric cyanopyridine ligands and the distinct reactivity of the complex with 2-cyanopyridine. Based on these studies, we propose a mechanism for the catalyzed hydrolysis of the nitrile bond within the Au(III) complex. Finally, we assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized gold(III) complexes against a spectrum of bacteria and fungi.

Authors

• Maciej Ejnik link open in new tab ,
• dr hab. inż. Piotr Bruździak link open in new tab ,
• Karolina Gutmańska link open in new tab ,
• dr inż. Anna Ciborska link open in new tab ,
• dr inż. Magdalena Malik,
• Dietrich Gudat,
• dr hab. inż. Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska link open in new tab ,
• prof. dr hab. inż. Anna Dołęga link open in new tab