Non-conventional hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces that support embedding mesitylgold into a tailored bis(amidine) framework.

A bis(amidine) ligand operates as a molecular lock for two AuMes fragments. The resulting complex retains a flexible double macrocycle with two non-conventional N-H⋯C ipso hydrogen bonds and distinct intramolecular dispersion forces. Instead of unfolding of the double-ring structure through bond rupture in solution, a conformational ring inversion is observed.