Complexes of nickel(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) with the β-ketophosphines PBut2(CH2COR)(R = Ph or But)

Abstract

The β-ketophosphines PBu^t₂(CH₂COR)(R = Ph or Bu^t) have been prepared by treating the α-bromoketones BrCH₂COR with PBu^t₂H and subsequent treatment with base. With hydrated nickel(II) chloride, complexes of the type trans-[graphic ommitted], in which the nickel is chelated by the tertiary phosphine enolate ion, are formed rapidly. In contrast, with [PdCl₂(NCPh)₂] or [PtCl₂(NCPh)₂] these β-ketophosphines, even on prolonged boiling in alcohols, give complexes of type trans-[MCl₂{PBu^t₂(CH₂COR)}₂]. However, when these chlorocomplexes are treated with sodium 2-methoxyethoxide, ring closure occurs to give the bis(chelates)trans-[graphic ommitted]. Proton and ³¹P n.m.r. and i.r. data are given.