Interaction between organomercurials and halide complexes of platinum, palladium, and nickel. Carbon monoxide insertion into the platinum–carbon bond

Abstract

The reactions between R¹₂Hg (R¹= Ph or Me) and (R²₃P)₂MCl₂(M = Pt, Pd, or Ni) to yield R¹HgCl and trans-(R²₃P)₂MR¹Cl have been examined. The reactions with R¹= Ph proceed more readily than those with R¹= Me. Reverse reactions between HgCl₂ and (R²₃P)₂MR¹₂ produce the same products.

R¹₂Hg and the carbonyl complexes (R²₃P)(CO)PtCl₂ react to give R¹HgCl and the binuclear chlorine-bridged compounds (R²₃P)₂Pt₂Cl₂(R¹CO)₂. No carbonyl insertion is observed when R¹Li replaces R¹₂Hg, and Grignard reagents lead to a complex mixture of products. The mechanisms of the mercurial reactions are discussed.