Platinacycloalkane complexes containing [P,N] bidentate ligands: synthesis and decomposition studies

Abstract

A new series of platinacyclopentanes (2a–2f) and platinacycloheptanes (3a–3f) of the type [Pt(N^P)(CH₂)_n] (n = 4, 6) were obtained by the reaction of [Pt(COD)(CH₂)_n] with the appropriate iminophosphine ligand (1a–1f). These complexes were characterised using a variety of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. X-ray structure analysis of complex 2a revealed a slightly distorted square planar geometry around platinum as a consequence of the ring strain imposed by the [P,N] chelate ring formed and the metallocycloalkane. Thermal decomposition analyses of the platinacycloalkanes revealed that the platinacyclopentanes are markedly stable, with the decomposition reaction requiring temperatures higher than 100 °C to occur. The major products obtained from the thermal decomposition reactions were 1-butene (for platinacyclopentanes) and 1-hexene (for platinacycloheptanes).