CONTRASTING PHOTOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF [AU(SH)(2)](-) AND AU(SME2)CL

The complexes [Au(SH)(2)](-) and Au(SMe2)Cl display absorption bands i n the UV region which are assigned to metal-centered ds and ligand-to- metal charge transfer (LMCT) transitions respectively. In toluene glas ses at 77 K, both complexes show an orange-red emission which originat es from a ds excited state. At room temperature in solution, the compl exes are light sensitive. On LMCT excitation, Au(SMe2)Cl undergoes pho toredox decomposition with the formation of metallic gold, whereas the photolysis of [Au(SH)(2)](-) affords Au2S. The photoreactivity of [Au (SH)(2)](-) seems to be a characteristic feature also applicable to ot her gold(I) thiolate complexes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.