Bis(trimethylsilyl)mercury and bis(diphenylphosphino)methanedichloro-platinum(II): formation of Pt–SiMe3, Pt–HgSiMe3 bonds, and a platinum(I) complex

Abstract

The reaction between 2 mol equiv. of [Hg(SiMe₃)₂] and [PtCl₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}] gives the complex [Pt(SiMe₃)₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}](I), whilst with a deficiency of [Hg(SiMe₃)₂] a bright red air-sensitive platinum(IV) complex can be isolated having the composition [Pt(HgSiMe₃)₂(SiMe₃)₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}](II); this slowly decomposes in solution to give (I), mercury, and Si₂Me₆. Under different experimental conditions the reaction produces a yellow air-stable platinum(I) complex, [Pt₂Cl₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}₂](III). Diphenylmercury also combines with [PtCl₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}] forming [Pt(HgPh)₂Ph₂{(Ph₂P)₂CH₂}].