Gold IV Complexes

The Au-S bond length at 2.30 A is very similar to that in the gold(III) analogue (2.299-2.312 A) and other gold(III) complexes like Au(toluene-3,4-dithiolate) (2.31 A) suggesting substantial covalent character in the bond. 

Factors responsible for this order include the troni-effect, charge neutraU-zation, and statistical effects. 

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There are no well-characterized gold(IV) complexes. An oxide, Au02, has been reported and its electrochemistry has been studied,22 but it is very improbable that it contains gold(IV). 

Gold(IV) complexes are very rare. The only monomer [Au(bdt)2] characterized by X-ray analysis was found to be square planar. This Au compound was prepared from the corresponding Au anion by one-electron oxidation in an electrochemical cell as shown in equation (13). 

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