The influence of gold(i) on the mechanism of thiolate, disulfide exchange.

The mechanism of gold(i)-thiolate, disulfide exchange was investigated by using initial-rate kinetic studies, 2D ((1)H-(1)H) ROESY NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemical/chemical techniques. The rate law for exchange is overall second order, first order in gold(i)-thiolate and disulfide. 2D NMR experiments show evidence of association between gold(i)-thiolate and disulfide.