Chloro[1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(I)

1. Catalyst for the rearrangement of alkynyl sulfoxides to benzothiepinones
2. Catalyst for the rearrangement of homopropargylic ethers to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds
3. Catalyst for oxidative cyclopropanation of N-Allylynamides to 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]-hexan-2-one derivatives
4. Catalyst for oxidative rearrangement of homopropargylic ethers to cyclobutanones

Chloro[1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(I), also known as [(IMes)AuCl], is an useful organometallic catalyst. Organometallics are useful reagents, catalysts, and precursor materials with applications in thin film deposition, industrial chemistry, pharmaceuticals, LED manufacturing, and others.

White powder

Ag2O (0.5 mmol) was added to the CH2Cl2 solution of 1,3-bis(mesityl)imidazolium chloride (1mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 3 hours, the suspension becomes clear. Then drop 1mmol of Me2SAuCl solution into CH2Cl2 and stir for 4 hours. After the mixture is filtered through Celite, the solvent is evaporated. Hexane is added to the remaining mixture and filtered to obtain Chloro[1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(I).