Structural characterization of silver(I) complexes [Ag(O3SCF3)(L)] (L = PPh3, PPh2Me, SC4H8) and [AgLn](CF3SO3) (n=2-4), (L = PPh3, PPh2Me)

We have studied the solution and some solid state structures of a series of trifluoromethanesulfonate silver(I) complexes, namely of formula [Ag(O3SCF 3)(L)] (L = PPh3, PPh2Me, SC4H8) and [AgLn](CF3SO3) (n = 2-4, L =PPh3, PPh2 Me). The solution behaviour is as expected for mononuclear silver species, although polynuclear species can not be totally ruled out in non-coordinati ng solvents. The solid state structures display a wide variety of nuclearit ies, silver co-ordination numbers and trifluoromethanesulfonate co-ordinati on modes, depending on the ligand L. Thus, for complexes of empirical formu la [Ag(O3SCF3)(L)], the crystal structure of [Ag(O3SCF3)(PPh3)] is a trimer with bridging triflates; the molecular structure of [Ag(O3SCF3)(PPh2Me)] s hows tetranuclear complexes with a 'chair' geometry, further linked into ch ains by Ag-phenyl interactions; and [Ag(O3SCF3)(tht)] (tht = SC4H8) crystal lizes in infinite chains. For complexes of formula [Ag(O3SCF3)(L)(2)], the PPh, derivative is a dimer with two bridging triflates, and the PPh2Me deri vative is a monomer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.