We report diverse C–N cross-coupling reactions of aryl thianthrenium salts that are formed site-selectively by direct C–H functionalization. The scope of N-nucleophiles ranges from primary and secondary alkyl and aryl amines to various N-containing heterocycles, and the overall transformation is applicable to late-stage functionalization of complex, drug-like small molecules.

The homoleptic compound [PPh4][CF3AuCF3] cleanly undergoes photoinduced oxidative addition of CF3I to afford the organogold(III) derivative [PPh4][(CF3)3AuI] in good yield and under mild conditions. This compound provides a convenient entry to the chemistry of the perfluorinated (CF3)3Au fragment, the properties of which were analyzed with the aid of DFT methods and compared with those of the homologous non‐fluorinated (CH3)3Au moiety. It was found that reductive elimination of CX3−CX3 in the former (X=F) requires a much higher energy barrier than in the latter (X=H) and is therefore considerably less favored. This can be considered as one of the main features underlying the significantly higher stability associated to the (CF3)3Au fragment and its derivatives. This unsaturated, 14‐electron species can be stabilized by coordination of any of the halide ligands, including fluoride. In fact, the whole series of anionic [PPh4][(CF3)3AuX] complexes (X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN) has now been isolated and conveniently characterized. Evidence for intermolecular decomposition pathways upon thermolysis in the condensed phase is presented.

The present study aims to analyse the effect of motivational variables and previous academic achievement on students’ future choice of chemistry once this subject becomes optional in the educational system. Toward this goal, the translation and adaptation of the Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQII) has been undertaken in our investigation to measure students’ motivation towards physics and chemistry. The sample comprised 1060 secondary school Spanish students divided into two groups: 695 students who chose the subject when it became optional for the first time and 365 who decided to leave it. Factor analysis confirmed the original structure of latent variables in our sample, providing validity for this adaptation to a new language and context. A segmentation analysis confirmed that career motivation was the best predictor of students’ retention in physics and chemistry before previous academic achievement and the rest of the motivational variables. Although significant gender differences were found in self-efficacy and self-determination, these seem not to be relevant in students’ choice.