κ3 -(N^C^C)Gold(III) Carboxylates: Evidence for Decarbonylation Processes.

Gold(III) carboxylate species, stabilized by a κ3 -(N^C^C) ligand template, are presented herein. A η1 -AuIII -C(O)-OH species has been characterized under cryogenic conditions as a result of the nucleophilic attack of an ammonium hydroxide onto a dinuclear μ-CO2 -κ3 -(N^C^C)AuIII precursor. Thermal decomposition for these species proceeds by an unusual decarbonylation process, in contrast to typical decarboxylation pathways observed in related metallocarboxylic acids.