Synthesis, characterisation, and oxygen atom transfer reactions involving the first gold(I)-alkylperoxo complexes

The synthesis of a new class of organogold species containing a peroxo moiety is reported. Complexes [Au(IPr)((OOBu)-Bu-t)] and [Au(SIPr)((OOBu)-Bu-t)] have been synthesised via a straightforward methodology using the parent gold(I) hydroxide complexes as synthons. These complexes have been successfully used in oxygen-transfer reactions to triphenylphosphine.