{Ba[Au(SCN)2]2}n: a three-dimensional net comprised of monomeric and trimeric gold(I) units

The noteworthy structural feature of the title complex, poly[acetonitriletetra-μ2-thiocyanato-barium(II)digold(I)], {[Au2Ba(SCN)4(CH3CN)]}n, is that the bis(thiocyanato)aurate(I) anion adopts both monomeric and trimeric motifs. The trimer unit has an Au...Au distance of 3.1687 (3) Å. In both the monomeric and trimeric units, the AuI atoms are also bonded to two S atoms. Within the trimeric unit, the AuI atoms exist in differing environments; one Au atom has a T-shaped three-coordinate geometry while the other has a square-planar four-coordinate geometry. The AuI atom of the monomer adopts a linear two-coordinate geometry. The extended structure can be described as a three-dimensional coordination polymer consisting of chains of Ba atoms bridged by thiocyanate N atoms. These chains are cross-linked via the gold monomeric and trimeric units