A Chiral [2]Catenane Precursor of the Antiarthritic Gold(I) Drug Auranofin

Worth its weight in gold: A homoleptic gold(I) glycosylated thiolate precursor for the antiarthritic drug auranofin has been structurally characterized. The undecagold(I) cluster forms an unusual chiral [2]catenane (see picture; Au violet, S yellow) and displays interesting photophysical behavior in the solid state and in solution. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2006/z503431_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.