Synthesis and reactivity of platinum–formaldehyde complexes [Pt (PR3)2(CH2O)]
Abstract
Sodium dihydronaphthylide reduction of [PtCl2(PR3)2](R3= Et3, Pri3, Ph3, Et2Ph, or ½Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) under an ethylene atmosphere gives [Pt(PR3)2(C2H4)] in quantitative yield as shown by 31P n.m.r. spectroscopy. Reactions of the ethylene complexes with CO, CH2I2,(CF3)2CO, (CO2Et)2CO, and CH2O are described. Monomeric formaldehyde reacts to give the first platinum–formaldehyde complexes, [Pt(PR3)2(CH2O)], decomposition of which produces [Pt3(CO)3(PR3)n](n= 3 or 4) and a complex tentatively assigned as [{PtH(PR3)2}2{C(O)OCH2}].