Cyclometalated gold(III) iminophosphoranes which incorporate carbohydrate groups

Iminophosphoranes with organic groups derived from d-glucose, d-galactose and l-arabinose have been used to prepare gold(III) dichloride complexes via mercurated intermediates, since direct cyclometallation was unsuccessful. Structures and full spectroscopic data are reported. Replacement of one or more of the chloride ligands by PPh3, or by thiosalicylate gave new derivatives. Biological screening showed no enhanced activity relative to other alkyl or aryl analogues.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of chiral cyclometalated gold(III) iminophosphoranes with acetylated carbohydrate groups on the N-atom are reported, together with X-ray crystal structures and preliminary screening for biological activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide