Crystal and molecular structure of tri-iodoheptakis(tri-p-fluorophenylphosphine)undecagold

Abstract

The crystal and molecular structure and the absolute configuration of the title compound have been determined from three-dimensional X-ray data collected by counter methods, and refined by least squares to R 0·034 for 1959 independent reflections. The crystals are in space-group R3, with unit-cell dimensions a= 15·96(2)Å, α= 108·4(1)°, and Z= 1. The molecular unit possesses C₃ symmetry. The metal-atom cluster derives from a centred icosahedron, in which one triangular face has been substituted by a single gold atom. Au–Au Interactions are: mean centre-to-periphery 2·68 Å, peripheral distances 2·836(4)–3·187(3)Å, mean 2·98 Å. There are three independent classes of Au–P bonds, in the range 2·21(1)–2·29(1)Å. The Au–l distances are 2·600(5)Å. The packing is discussed with reference to the disordered structure of Au₁₁l₃[P(p-ClC₆H₄)₃]₇.