Direct oxidative addition–reductive elimination reactions between trans-[MCl(CO)L2] and [MCl3(CO)L2] or trans-[PtCl4(PEt3)2](M = Rh or Ir, L = tertiary phosphine)

Abstract

Complexes of the type trans-[MCl(CO)L₂] and [MCl₃(CO)L₂], M = Rh or Ir, L = PMe₂Ph or PEt₂Ph, have been shown to react with each other, presumably by a double chloro-bridged intermediate, and undergo rapid oxidative addition–reductive elimination; phosphine exchange is much slower. Similar results were obtained when trans-[PtCl₄(PEt₃)₂] was treated with trans-[MCl(CO)(PEt₃)₂], M = Rh or Ir, for which rapid and complete conversion into trans-[PtCl₂(PEt₃)₂] and [MCl₃(CO)(PEt₃)₂] occurred. Phosphorus-31 n.m.r. data are given.