Organoplatinum complexes containing bis(diphenylphosphino)amine as ligand: uncommon case of N-H . . . I-Pt hydrogen bonding

The complex [PtMe(2)(dppa)], 1a, dppa = Ph(2)PNHPPh(2), which has previously been prepared as a mixture with the dimeric form [Pt(2)Me(4)(micro-dppa)(2)], was synthesized in pure form by the reaction of [PtCl(2)(dppa)] with MeLi. The aryl analogue [Pt(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)(dppa)], 1b, was prepared by replacement of SMe(2) in cis-[Pt(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)(SMe(2))(2)] with dppa. The reaction of the chelate complexes 1 with one equiv. of dppa afforded the complexes [PtR(2)(dppa-P)(2)], R=Me, 2a and R=p-MeC(6)H(4) 2b. The reaction of [PtR(2)(dppa)], 1, with neat MeI gave the organoplatinum(iv) complexes [PtR(2)MeI(dppa)], R=Me, 5a and R=p-MeC(6)H(4), 5b. The structure of 5a, determined by X-ray crystallography, indicated that the complex undergoes self-assembly by intermolecular N-H . . . I-Pt hydrogen bonding. MeI was also double oxidatively added to organodiplatinum(ii) complex cis,cis-[Me(2)Pt(micro-SMe(2))(micro-dppa)PtMe(2)], to give diorganoplatinum(iv) complex [Me(3)Pt(micro-dppa)(micro-I)(2)PtMe(3)], 4. The aryl analogue organodiplatinum(ii) complex cis,cis-[(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)Pt(micro-SMe(2))(micro-dppa)Pt(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)], 3b, was prepared by the reaction of cis-[Pt(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)(SMe(2))(2)] with half equiv. of dppa, but 3b refused to react with MeI, probably because of the steric effects of the aryl ligands. The tetramethyl complex [PtMe(4)(dppa)], 6, was prepared either by reaction of 5a with MeLi or by replacement of SMe(2) in [Pt(2)Me(8)(micro-SMe(2))(2)] with dppa. All the complexes were fully characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P and (195)Pt) methods and their coordination compared with that of the corresponding known dppm complexes.     

Si-H and Si-Si activation at Pt: synthesis and reactivity of neutral and cationic silyl complexes

Reactions of [Pt(PEt(3))(3)] (1) with the silanes HSiPh(3), HSiPh(2)Me and HSi(OEt)(3) led to the products of oxidative addition, cis-[Pt(H)(SiPh(3))(PEt(3))(2)] (2), cis-[Pt(H)(SiPh(2)Me)(PEt(3))(2)] (3), cis-[Pt(H){Si(OEt)(3)}(PEt(3))(2)] (cis-4) and trans-[Pt(H){Si(OEt)(3)}(PEt(3))(2)] (trans-4). The complexes cis-4 and trans-4 can also be generated by hydrogenolysis of (EtO)(3)SiSi(OEt)(3) in the presence of 1. Furthermore, the silyl compounds cis-4 and trans-4 react with B(C(6)F(5))(3) and CH(3)CN by hydride abstraction to give the cationic silyl complex trans-[Pt{Si(OEt)(3)}(NCCH(3))(PEt(3))(2)][HB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (8). In addition, the reactivity of the complexes cis-4, trans-4 and 8 towards alkenes and CO was studied using NMR experiments.     

Formation of diphenylphosphanylbutadienyl complexes by insertion of two P-coordinated alkynylphosphanes into a PtbondC6F5 bond: detection of intermediate and reaction products

The reactions between cis-[M(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)CtriplebondCR)(2)] (M=Pt, Pd; R=Ph, tBu, Tol 2, 3) or cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)CtriplebondCR)(PPh(2)CtriplebondCtBu)] (R=Ph 4, Tol 5) and cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] 1 have been investigated. Whereas [M](PPh(2)CtriplebondCtBu)(2) ([M]=cis-M(C(6)F(5))(2)) is inert towards 1, the analogous reactions starting from [M](PPh(2)CtriplebondCR)(2) or [Pt](PPh(2)CtriplebondCR)(PPh(2)CtriplebondCtBu) (R=Ph, Tol) afford unusual binuclear species [Pt(C(6)F(5))(S)mu-[C(R')dbondC(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))doublebondC(R)(C(6)F(5))]M(C(6)F(5))(2)] (R=R'=Ph, Tol, M=Pt 6 a,c, M=Pd 7 a,c; M=Pt, R'=tBu, R=Ph 8, Tol 9) containing a bis(diphenylphosphanyl)butadienyl bridging ligand formed by an unprecedented sequential insertion reaction of two P-coordinated PPh(2)CtriplebondCR ligands into a PtbondC(6)F(5) bond. Although in solution the presence of coordinated solvent S (S=(thf)(x)(H(2)O)(y)) in 6, 7 is suggested by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses of different crystals of the mixed complex [Pt(C(6)F(5))mu-[C(tBu)doublebondC(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))doublebondC(Tol)(C(6)F(5))]Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)] 9 unequivocally establish that in the solid state the steric crowding of the new diphenylbutadienyl ligand formed stabilizes an unusual coordinatively unsaturated T-shaped 3-coordinated platinum(II) center. Structure determinations of the mononuclear precursors cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)CtriplebondCR)(2)] (R=Ph, tBu, Tol) have been carried out to evaluate the factors affecting the insertion processes. The reactions of the platinum complexes 6 towards neutral ligands (L=CO, py, PPh(2)H, CNtBu) in a 1:1 molar ratio afford related diplatinum derivatives 10-13, whereas treatment with CNtBu (1:2 molar ratio) or 2,2'-bipy (1:1 molar ratio) results in the opening of the chelating ring to give cis,cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(L)(2)mu-[1-kappaC(1):2-kappaPP'-C(R)doublebondC(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))doublebondC(R)(C(6)F(5))]Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)] (14, 15). The unsaturated or solvento complexes are unstable in solution evolving firstly, through an unexpected formal 4-1 R (Ph, Tol) migration, to the intermediate diphosphanylbutadienyl isomer derivatives [Pt(C(6)F(5))(S)mu-[C(C(6)F(5))doublebondC(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))doublebondC(R)(2)]M(C(6)F(5))(2)] (16, 18) (X-ray, R=Ph, M=Pt) and, finally, to 1-pentafluorophenyl-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)naphthalene mononuclear complexes (17, 19) by annulation of a phenyl or tolyl group.     

Amidoximes provide facile platinum(II)-mediated oxime-nitrile coupling

The nucleophilic addition of amidoximes R'C(NH(2))═NOH [R' = Me (2.Me), Ph (2.Ph)] to coordinated nitriles in the platinum(II) complexes trans-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1t.Et), Ph (1t.Ph), NMe(2) (1t.NMe(2))] and cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN)(2)] [R = Et (1c.Et), Ph (1c.Ph), NMe(2) (1c.NMe(2))] proceeds in a 1:1 molar ratio and leads to the monoaddition products trans-[PtCl(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}]Cl [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([3a]Cl), Ph ([3b]Cl)], cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = NMe(2); R' = Me (4a), Ph (4b)], and trans/cis-[PtCl(2)(RCN){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}] [R = Et; R' = Me (5a, 6a), Ph (5b, 6b); R = Ph; R' = Me (5c, 6c), Ph (5d, 6d), correspondingly]. If the nucleophilic addition proceeds in a 2:1 molar ratio, the reaction gives the bisaddition species trans/cis-[Pt{HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)]Cl(2) [R = NMe(2); R' = Me ([7a]Cl(2), [8a]Cl(2)), Ph ([7b]Cl(2), [8b]Cl(2))] and trans/cis-[PtCl(2){HN═C(R)ONC(R')NH(2)}(2)] [R = Et; R' = Me (10a), Ph (9b, 10b); R = Ph; R' = Me (9c, 10c), Ph (9d, 10d), respectively]. The reaction of 1 equiv of the corresponding amidoxime and each of [3a]Cl, [3b]Cl, 5b-5d, and 6a-6d leads to [7a]Cl(2), [7b]Cl(2), 9b-9d, and 10a-10d. Open-chain bisaddition species 9b-9d and 10a-10d were transformed to corresponding chelated bisaddition complexes [7d](2+)-[7f](2+) and [8c](2+)-[8f](2+) by the addition of 2 equiv AgNO(3). All of the complexes synthesized bear nitrogen-bound O-iminoacylated amidoxime groups. The obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, high-resolution ESI-MS, IR, and (1)H NMR techniques, while 4a, 4b, 5b, 6d, [7b](Cl)(2), [7d](SO(3)CF(3))(2), [8b](Cl)(2), [8f](NO(3))(2), 9b, and 10b were also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Diphosphines possessing electronically different donor groups: synthesis and coordination chemistry of the unsymmetrical Di(N-pyrrolyl)phosphino-functionalized dppm analogue Ph2PCH2P(NC4H4)2

The unsymmetrical diphosphinomethane ligand Ph(2)PCH(2)P(NC(4)H(4))(2) L has been prepared from the reaction of Ph(2)PCH(2)Li with PCl(NC(4)H(4))(2). The diphenylphosphino group can be selectively oxidized with sulfur to give Ph(2)P(S)CH(2)P(NC(4)H(4))(2) 1. The reaction of L with [MCl(2)(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt) gives the chelate complexes [MCl(2)(L-kappa(2)P,P')] (2, M = Pd; 3, M = Pt) in which the M-P bond to the di(N-pyrrolyl)phosphino group is shorter than that to the corresponding diphenylphosphino group. However, the shorter Pd-P bond is cleaved on reaction of 2 with an additional 1 equiv of L to give [PdCl(2)(L-kappa(1)P)(2)] 4. Complex 4 reacts with [PdCl(2)(cod)] to regenerate 2, and with [Pd(2)(dba)(3)].CHCl(3) to give the palladium(I) dimer [Pd(2)Cl(2)(mu-L)(2)] 5, which exists in solution and the solid state as a 1:1 mixture of head-to-head (HH) and head-to-tail (HT) isomers. The palladium(II) dimer [Pd(2)Cl(2)(CH(3))(2)(mu-L)(2)] 6, formed by the reaction of [PdCl(CH(3))(cod)] with L, also exists in solution as a mixture of HH and HT isomers, although in this case the HT isomer prevails at low temperature and crystallizes preferentially. Complex 6 reacts with TlPF(6) to give the A-frame complex [Pd(2)(CH(3))(2)(mu-Cl)(mu-L)(2)]PF(6) 7. The reaction of L with [RuCp*(mu(3)-Cl)](4) leads to the dimer [Ru(2)Cp*(2)(mu-Cl)(2)(mu-L)] 8, for which the enthalpy of reaction has been measured. The reaction of L with [Rh(mu-Cl)(cod)](2) gives a mixture of compounds from which the dimer [Rh(2)(mu-Cl)(cod)(2)(mu-L)]PF(6) 9 can be isolated. The crystal structures of 2.CHCl(3), 3.CH(2)Cl(2), 4, 5.(1)/(4)CH(2)Cl(2), 6, 7.2CH(2)Cl(2), 8, and 9.CH(2)Cl(2) are reported.     

Biologically active platinum complexes containing 8-thiotheophylline and 8-(methylthio)theophylline

Complexes [Pt(mu-N,S-8-TT)(PPh(3))(2)](2) (1), [Pt(mu-S,N-8-TT)(PTA)(2)](2) (2), [Pt(8-TTH)(terpy)]BF(4) (3), cis-[PtCl(8-MTT)(PPh(3))(2)] (4), cis-[Pt(8-MTT)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (5), cis-[Pt(8-MTT)(8-TTH)(PPh(3))(2)] (6), cis-[PtCl(8-MTT)(PTA)(2)] (7), cis-[Pt(8-MTT)(2)(PTA)(2)] (8), and trans-[Pt(8-MTT)(2)(py)(2)] (9) (8-TTH(2) = 8-thiotheophylline; 8-MTTH = 8-(methylthio)theophylline; PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) are presented and studied by IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (31)P[(1)H]) NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of 4 and 9 has been authenticated by X-ray crystallography. Growth inhibition of the cancer cells T2 and SKOV3 induced by the above new thiopurine platinum complexes has been investigated. The activity shown by complexes 4 and 9 was comparable with cisplatin on T2. Remarkably, 4 and 9 displayed also a valuable activity on cisplatin-resistant SKOV3 cancer cells.     

Monomeric oxovanadium(IV) compounds of the general formula cis-[V(IV)(=O)(X)(L(NN))(2)](+/0) [X = OH(-), Cl(-), SO(4)(2)(-) and L(NN) = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) or 4,4'-disubstituted bipy

Reaction of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in aqueous solution with 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) and then with 2 equiv of 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dtbipy), or 4,4'-di-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dmbipy) affords compounds of the general formula cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(L(NN))(2)]Y [where L(NN) = bipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (1), L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (2.1.2H(2)O), L(NN) = 4,4'-dmbipy, Y = BF(4)(-) (3.2H(2)O), and L(NN) = 4,4'-dtbipy, Y = SbF(6)(-) (4)]. Sequential addition of 1 equiv of Ba(ClO(4))(2) and then of 2 equiv of bipy to an aqueous solution containing 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O yields cis-[V(IV)O(OH)(bipy)(2)]ClO(4) (5). The monomeric compounds 1-5 contain the cis-[V(IV)O(OH)](+) structural unit. Reaction of 1 equiv of V(IV)OSO(4).5H(2)O in water and of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in ethanol with 2 equiv of bipy gives the compounds cis-[V(IV)O(OSO(3))(bipy)(2)].CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O (6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O) and cis-[V(IV)OCl(bipy)(2)]Cl (7), respectively, while reaction of 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)] in CH(2)Cl(2) with 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy gives the compound cis-[V(IV)OCl(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]Cl.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) (8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2)). Compounds cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]BF(4) (9), cis-[V(IV)O(BF(4))(4,4'-dmbipy)(2)]BF(4) (10), and cis-[V(IV)O(SbF(6))(4,4'-dtbipy)(2)]SbF(6) (11) were synthesized by sequential addition of 2 equiv of 4,4'-dtbipy or 4,4'-dmbipy and 2 equiv of AgBF(4) or AgSbF(6) to a dichloromethane solution containing 1 equiv of [V(IV)OCl(2)(THF)(2)]. The crystal structures of 2.1.2H(2)O, 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O, and 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) were demonstrated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data are as follows: Compound 2.1.2H(2)O crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with (at 298 K) a = 21.62(1) A, b = 13.33(1) A, c = 27.25(2) A, V = 7851(2) A(3), Z = 8. Compound 6.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a with (at 298 K) a = 12.581(4) A, b = 14.204(5) A, c = 14.613(6) A, beta = 114.88(1) degrees, V = 2369(1), Z = 4. Compound 8.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1) with (at 298 K) a = 23.072(2) A, b = 24.176(2) A, c = 13.676(1) A, V = 7628(2) A(3), Z = 8 with two crystallographically independent molecules per asymmetric unit. In addition to the synthesis and crystallographic studies, we report the optical, infrared, magnetic, conductivity, and CW EPR properties of these oxovanadium(IV) compounds as well as theoretical studies on [V(IV)O(bipy)(2)](2+) and [V(IV)OX(bipy)(2)](+/0) species (X = OH(-), SO(4)(2)(-), Cl(-)).     

Catalytic effect of sulfoxides on the fluxional motion of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline in a platinum(II) complex: evaluation of steric and electronic contributions

Addition of external weak nucleophiles to a chloroform solution of the cationic complex ion [Pt(Me)(dmphen)(PPh(3))](+) (1) accelerates the fluxional motion of the symmetric chelating ligand 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen) between nonequivalent exchanging sites. The rates of the dynamic process can be measured by line-shape analysis of the (1)H NMR spectra. Concentration-dependent measurements were carried out with the ligands SOMe(2), SO(CH(2))(4), SO(n-Bu)(2), SO(sec-Bu)(2), SO(i-Pr)(2), SOEt(Ph), SOPr(Ph), SO(Bz)(2), SO(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2), SOPh(2), SO(p-ClC(6)H(4))(2), SOMe(p-MeOC(6)H(4)), SOMe(p-MeC(6)H(4)), SOMe(Ph), SOMe(p-BrC(6)H(4)), and SOMe(p-ClC(6)H(4)). The rate constants k(obsd), when plotted against the concentration of the added ligands SOR(R'), give a family of straight lines with a common intercept, indicating that the two-term rate law k(obsd) = k(1) + k(2)[SOR(R')] is obeyed. The same rate law applies to the displacement of SOMe(2) from [Pt(Me)(phen)(SOMe(2))](+) (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) by sulfoxides (SOMe(2), SO(i-Pr)(2), SOMe(p-MeOC(6)H(4)), SO(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2), SOPh(2), SO(p-ClC(6)H(4))(2), and SO(sec-Bu)(2)). The fluxional rates in 1 are 6-7 orders of magnitude higher than the substitution rates in 2. The values of the rate constants for the two processes were resolved quantitatively into steric and electronic contributions by use of quantitative analysis of ligand effects (QALE). Inhibitory steric effects are linearly operative for the entire set of ligands, the rates of the reactions are enhanced with increasing electron donor capacity of the sulfoxides, and there is a small but significant E(ar) effect that enhances the reactivity of the aryl sulfoxides. The strict similarity of the patterns of the two processes and of their dependence upon the stereoelectronic properties of the ligands, combined with the intrinsic lability of the platinum-nitrogen bonds, would suggest the operation of stereospecific consecutive ring-opening and ring-closure steps for the fluxional motion of dmphen in 1. However, the available evidence does not allow alternative mechanisms involving intramolecular rearrangements of the five-coordinate intermediate to be ruled out.     

Alkynyldiphenylphosphine d8 (Pt, Rh, Ir) complexes: contrasting behavior toward cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(THF)2

The synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear d(8) complexes with at least two P-coordinated alkynylphosphine ligands and their reactivity toward cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] are reported. The cationic [Pt(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(3)](CF(3)SO(3)), 1, [M(COD)(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2)](ClO(4)) (M = Rh, 2, and Ir, 3), and neutral [Pt(o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2)] (E = O, 6, and S, 7) complexes have been prepared, and the crystal structures of 1, 2, and 7.CH(3)COCH(3) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The course of the reactions of the mononuclear complexes 1-3, 6, and 7 with cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] is strongly influenced by the metal and the ligands. Thus, treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] gives the double inserted cationic product [Pt(C(6)F(5))(S)mu-(C(Ph)=C(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))=C(Ph)(C(6)F(5)))Pt(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)](CF(3)SO(3)) (S = THF, H(2)O), 8 (S = H(2)O, X-ray), which evolves in solution to the mononuclear complex [(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)Pt(C(10)H(4)-1-C(6)F(5)-4-Ph-2,3-kappaPP'(PPh(2))(2))](CF(3) SO(3)), 9 (X-ray), containing a 1-pentafluorophenyl-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphine)-4-phenylnaphthalene ligand, formed by annulation of a phenyl group and loss of the Pt(C(6)F(5)) unit. However, analogous reactions using 2 or 3 as precursors afford mixtures of complexes, from which we have characterized by X-ray crystallography the alkynylphosphine oxide compound [(C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-kappaO:eta(2)-PPh(2)(O)C triple-bond CPh)](2), 10, in the reaction with the iridium complex (3). Complexes 6 and 7, which contain additional potential bridging donor atoms (O, S), react with cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] in the appropriate molar ratio (1:1 or 1:2) to give homo- bi- or trinuclear [Pt(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(mu-kappaE-o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(mu-kappaP:eta(2)-PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)] (E = O, 11, and S, 12) and [(Pt(mu(3)-kappa(2)EE'-o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(mu-kappaP:eta(2)-PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2))(Pt(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (E = O, 13, and S, 14) complexes. The molecular structure of 14 has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and the cyclic voltammetric behavior of precursor complexes 6 and 7 and polymetallic derivatives 11-14 has been examined.     

Ni, Pd, Pt, and Ru complexes of phosphine-borate ligands

The species Cy(2)PHC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2) reacts with Pt(PPh(3))(4) to yield the new product cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtH(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)) 1 via oxidative addition of the P-H bond of the phosphonium borate to Pt(0). The corresponding reaction with Pd(PPh(3))(4) affords the Pd analogue of 1, namely, cis-(PPh(3))(2)PdH(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)) 3; while modification of the phosphonium borate gave the salt [(PPh(3))(3)PtH][(tBu(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))] 2. Alternatively initial deprotonation of the phosphonium borate gave [tBu(3)PH][Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 4, [SIMesH][Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 5 which reacted with NiCl(2)(DME) yielding [BaseH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Ni(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (Base = tBu(3)P 6, SIMes 7) or with PdCl(2)(PhCN)(2) to give [BaseH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Pd(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (Base = tBu(3)P 8, SIMes 9). While [C(10)H(6)N(2)(Me)(4)H][tBu(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2)] 10 was also prepared. A third strategy for formation of a metal complex of anionic phosphine-borate derivatives was demonstrated in the reaction of (COD)PtMe(2) with the neutral phosphine-borane Mes(2)PC(6)F(4)B(C(6)F(5))(2) affording (COD)PtMe(Mes(2)PC(6)F(4)BMe(C(6)F(5))(2)) 11. Extension of this reactivity to tBu(2)PH(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)) was demonstrated in the reaction with Pt(PPh(3))(4) which yielded cis-(PPh(3))(2)PtH(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)) 12, while the reaction of [SIMesH][tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3)] 13 with NiCl(2)(DME) and PdCl(2)(PhCN)(2) afforded the complexes [SIMesH](2)[trans-Cl(2)Ni(tBu(2)PC(4)H(8)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))(2)] 14 and [SIMesH](2)[trans-PdCl(2)(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))(2)] 15, respectively, analogous to those prepared with 4 and 5. Finally, the reaction of 7 and 13with [(p-cymene)RuCl(2)](2) proceeds to give the new orange products [SIMesH][(p-cymene)RuCl(2)(Cy(2)PC(6)F(4)BF(C(6)F(5))(2))] 16 and [SIMesH][(p-cymene)RuCl(2)(tBu(2)P(CH(2))(4)OB(C(6)F(5))(3))] 17, respectively. Crystal structures of 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 16 are reported.     

Application of molybdenum bis(imido) complexes in ethylene dimerisation catalysis

In combination with EtAlCl(2) (Mo : Al = 1 : 15) the imido complexes [MoCl(2)(NR)(NR')(dme)] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (1); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (3); R = R' = Bu(t) (4); dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) and [Mo(NHBu(t))(2)(NR)(2)] (R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (5); R = Bu(t) (6)) each show moderate TON, activity, and selectivity for the catalytic dimerisation of ethylene, which is influenced by the nature of the imido substituents. In contrast, the productivity of [MoCl(2)(NPh)(2)(dme)] (2) is low and polymerisation is favoured over dimerisation. Catalysis initiated by complexes 1-4 in combination with MeAlCl(2) (Mo : Al = 1 : 15) exhibits a significantly lower productivity. Reaction of complex 5 with EtAlCl(2) (2 equiv.) gives rise to a mixture of products, while addition of MeAlCl(2) affords [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)]. Treatment of 6 with RAlCl(2) (2 equiv.) (R = Me, Et) yields [Mo({μ-N-Bu(t)}AlCl(2))(2)] (7) in both cases. Imido derivatives 1 and 3 react with Me(3)Al and MeAlCl(2) to form the bimetallic complexes [MoMe(2)(N{R}AlMe(2){μ-Cl})(NR')] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (8); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (10)) and [MoMe(2)(N{R}AlCl(2){μ-Cl})(NR')] (R = R' = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3) (9); R = 2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3), R' = Bu(t) (11)), respectively. Exposure of complex 8 to five equivalents of thf or PMe(3) affords the adducts [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)(L)] (L = thf (12); L = PMe(3) (13)), while reaction with NEt(3) (5 equiv.) yields [MoMe(2)(N-2,6-Pr(i)(2)-C(6)H(3))(2)]. The molecular structures of complexes 5, 9 and 11 have been determined.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono- and binuclear platinum complexes containing terminal and bridging diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands

A series of mononuclear platinum complexes containing diynyldiphenylphosphine ligands [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)L](n)(n= 0, L = tht, R = Ph 2a, Bu(t)2b; L = PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR, 4a, 4b; n=-1, L = CN(-), 3a, 3b) has been synthesized and the X-ray crystal structures of 4a and 4b have been determined. In order to compare the eta2-bonding capability of the inner and outer alkyne units, the reactivity of towards [cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] or [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] has been examined. Complexes coordinate the fragment "cis-Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)" using the inner alkynyl fragment and the sulfur of the tht ligand giving rise the binuclear derivatives [(C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-tht)(mu-1kappaP:2eta2-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CR)Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)](R = Ph 5a, Bu(t)5b). The phenyldiynylphosphine complexes 2a, 3a and 4a react with [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] to give the mixed-valence Pt(II)-Pt(0) complexes [((C(6)F(5))(2)LPt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)](n)(L = tht 6a, CN 8a and PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh 9a) in which the Pt(0) fragment is eta2-complexed by the outer fragment. Complex 6a isomerizes in solution to a final complex [((C(6)F(5))(2)(tht)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(alpha),C(beta)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh))Pt(PPh(3))(2)]7a having the Pt(0) fragment coordinated to the inner alkyne function. In contrast, the tert-butyldiynylphosphine complexes 2b and 3b coordinate the Pt(0) unit through the phosphorus substituted inner acetylenic entity yielding 7b and 8b. By using 4a and 2 equiv. of [Pt(eta2)-C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] as precursors, the synthesis of the trinuclear complex [cis-((C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-1kappaP:2eta2)-C(5),C(6)-PPh(2)C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)C[triple bond]CPh)(2))(Pt(PPh(3))(2))(2)]10a, bearing two Pt(0)(PPh(3))(2)eta2)-coordinated to the outer alkyne functions is achieved. The structure of 7a has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Mechanistic insight into protonolysis and cis-trans isomerization of benzylplatinum(II) complexes assisted by weak ligand-to-metal interactions. A combined kinetic and DFT study

Low-temperature NMR measurements showed that protonolysis and deuterolysis by H(D)X acids on meta- and para-substituted dibenzylplatinum(II) complexes cis-[Pt(CH(2)Ar)(2)(PEt(3))(2)] (Ar = C(6)H(4)Y(-); Y = 4-Me, 1a; 3-Me, 1b; H, 1c; 4-F, 1d; 3-F, 1e; 4-Cl, 1f; 3-Cl, 1g; 3-CF(3), 1h) in CD(3)OD leads directly to the formation of trans-[Pt(CH(2)Ar)(PEt(3))(2)(CD(3)OD)]X (4a-4h) and toluene derivatives. The reaction obeys the rate law k(obsd) = k(H)[H(+)]. For CH(2)Ar = CH(2)C(6)H(5)(-), k(H) = 176 ± 3 M(-1) s(-1) and k(D) = 185 ± 5 M(-1) s(-1) at 298.2 K, ΔH(double dagger) = 46 ± 1 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(double dagger) = -47 ± 1 J K(-1) mol(-1). In contrast, in acetonitrile-d(3), three subsequent stages can be distinguished, at different temperature ranges: (i) instantaneous formation of new benzylhydridoplatinum(IV) complexes cis-[Pt(CH(2)Ar)(2)(H)(CD(3)CN)(PEt(3))(2)]X (2a-2h, at 230 K), (ii) reductive elimination of 2a-2h to yield cis-[Pt(CH(2)Ar)(CD(3)CN)(PEt(3))(2)]X (3a-3h) and toluene derivatives (in the range 230-255 K), and finally (iii) spontaneous isomerization of the cis cationic solvento species to the corresponding trans isomers (4a-4h, in the range 260-280 K). All compounds were detected and fully characterized through their (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectra. Kinetics monitored by (1)H and (31)P{(1)H} NMR and isotopic scrambling experiments on cis-[Pt(CH(2)Ar)(2)(H)(CD(3)CN)(PEt(3))(2)]X gave some insight onto the mechanism of reductive elimination of 2a-2h. Systematic kinetics of isomerization of 3a-3h were followed in the temperature range 285-320 K by stopped-flow techniques. The process goes, as expected, through the relatively slow dissociative loss of the weakly bonded solvent molecule and interconversion of two geometrically distinct T-shaped three-coordinate intermediates. The dissociation energy depends upon the solvent-coordinating ability. DFT optimization reveals that along the energy profile the "cis-like" [Pt(CH(2)Ar)(PMe(3))(2)](+) intermediate is strongly stabilized by a Pt···η(2)-C1-C(ipso) bond between the unsaturated metal and benzyl carbons. The value of the ensuing stabilization energy was estimated by computational data to be greater than that found for similar β-agostic Pt···η(2)-CH interactions with alkyl groups containing β-hydrogens. An observed consequence of the strong stabilization of "cis"-[Pt(η(2)-CH(2)Ar)(PMe(3))(2)](+) is the remarkable acceleration of the rate of isomerization, greater than that produced by the so-called "β-hydrogen kinetic effect". Kinetic and DFT data concur to indicate that electron donation by substituents on the benzyl ring leads to further stabilization of the "cis"-[Pt(η(2)-CH(2)Ar)(PMe(3))(2)](+) cationic species.     

Formation and characterization of the hexanuclear platinum cluster [Pt6(mu-PBu(t)2)4(CO)6](CF3SO3)2 through structural, electrochemical, and computational analyses

The reaction between equimolar amounts of Pt(3)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(3)(H)(CO)(2), Pt(3)()H, and CF(3)SO(3)H under CO atmosphere affords the triangular species [Pt(3)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(3)(CO)(3)]X, [Pt(3)()(CO)(3)()(+)()]X (X = CF(3)SO(3)(-)), characterized by X-ray crystallography, or in an excess of acid, [Pt(6)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(4)(CO)(6)]X(2), [Pt(6)()(2+)()]X(2)(). Structural determination shows the latter to be a rare hexanuclear cluster with a Pt(4) tetrahedral core formed by joining the unbridged sides of two orthogonal Pt(3) triangles. The dication Pt(6)()(2+)() features also extensive redox properties as it undergoes two reversible one-electron reductions to the congeners [Pt(6)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(4)(CO)(6)](+) (Pt(6)()(+)(), E(1/2) = -0.27 V) and Pt(6)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(4)(CO)(6) (Pt(6)(), E(1/2) = -0.54 V) and a further quasi-reversible two-electron reduction to the unstable dianion Pt(6)()(2)()(-)() (E(1/2) = -1.72 V). The stable radical (Pt(6)()(+)()) and diamagnetic (Pt(6)()) species are also formed via chemical methods by using 1 or 2 equiv of Cp(2)Co, respectively; further reduction of Pt(6)()(2+)() causes fast decomposition. The chloride derivatives [Pt(6)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(4)(CO)(5)Cl]X, (Pt(6)()Cl(+)())X, and Pt(6)(mu-PBu(t)()(2))(4)(CO)(4)Cl(2), Pt(6)()Cl(2)(), observed as side-products in some electrochemical experiments, were prepared independently. The reaction leading to Pt(3)()(CO)(3)()(+)() has been analyzed with DFT methods, and identification of key intermediates allows outlining the reaction mechanism. Moreover, calculations for the whole series Pt(6)()(2+)() --> Pt(6)()(2)()(-)()( )()afford the otherwise unknown structures of the reduced derivatives. While the primary geometry is maintained by increasing electron population, the system undergoes progressive and concerted out-of-plane rotation of the four phosphido bridges (from D(2)(d)() to D(2) symmetry). The bonding at the central Pt(4) tetrahedron of the hexanuclear clusters (an example of 4c-2e(-) inorganic tetrahedral aromaticity in Pt(6)()(2+)()) is explained in simple MO terms.     

Reactivity of TCNE or TCNQ derivatives of quinonoid zwitterions: platinum-induced HCN elimination vs oxidative-addition

The reaction of the functional, zwitterionic quinonoid molecule (6E)-4-(butylamino)-6-(butyliminio)-3-oxo-2-(1,1,2,2-tetracyanoethyl)cyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate, [C(6)H-2-{C(CN)(2)C(CN)(2)H}]-4,6-(···NH n-Bu)(2)-1,3(···O)(2) (2), which has been previously prepared by regioselective insertion of TCNE into the C-H bond adjacent to the C···O bonds of the zwitterionic benzoquinone monoimine (6E)-4-(butylamino)-6-(butyliminio)-3-oxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate, C(6)H(2)-4,6-(···NHn-Bu)(2)-1,3-(···O)(2) (1), with 2 equiv of [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)], afforded the Pt(0) complex [Pt(PPh(3))(2)(4)] (6) (4 = 2-HCN; (6E)-4-(butylamino)-6-(butyliminio)-3-oxo-2-(1,2,2-tricyanoethenyl)cyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate), in which a tricyanoethenyl moiety is π-bonded to the metal. A metal-induced HCN elimination reaction has thus taken place. The same complex was obtained directly by the reaction of 1 equiv of the Pt(0) complex [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] with the olefinic ligand [C(6)H-2-{C(CN)═C(CN)(2)}]-4,6-(···NHn-Bu)(2)-1,3-(···O)(2)) (4), previously obtained by the reaction of 2 with NEt(3) in THF. A similar reactivity pattern was observed between 2 and 2 equiv of the Pd(0) precursor [Pd(dba)(2)] in the presence of dppe, which led to [Pd(dppe)(4)] (7), which was also directly obtained from 4 and 1 equiv [Pd(dba)(2)]/dppe. In contrast to the behavior of the TCNE derivative 2, the reaction of the TCNQ derivative (6E)-4-(butylamino)-6-(butyliminio)-2-(dicyano(4-(dicyanomethyl)phenyl)methyl)-3-oxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate, [C(6)H-2-{C(CN)(2)p-C(6)H(4)C(CN)(2)H}]-4,6-(···NHn-Bu)(2)-1,3-(···O)(2)) (3), with 2 equiv of [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2)] led to formal oxidative-addition of the C-H bond of the C(CN)(2)H moiety to give the Pt(II) hydride complex trans-[PtH(PPh(3))(2){N═C═C(CN)p-C(6)H(4)C(CN)(2)-2-[C(6)H-4,6-(···NHn-Bu)(2)-1,3-(···O)(2))}] (8). The molecular structures of 3, 4, 6·0.5(H(2)O), and 8·3(CH(2)Cl(2)) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Interconversion between the enantiomers of chiral five-coordinate Me3Pt(IV) complexes

The dinuclear Me(2)Pt(II) complexes of 3,4-bis(quinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1a), 3,4-bis(6 trifluoromethoxyquinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1b), and 3,4-bis(2-methylquinolin-8-yl)thiophene (1c) react with MeOTf (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) to afford the corresponding chiral mononuclear five-coordinate Me(3)Pt(IV) complexes [PtMe(3)(1a)]OTf (3a), [PtMe(3)(1b)]OTf (3b), and [PtMe(3)(1c)]OTf (3c), respectively. [PtMe(3)(1c)]BAr(F)(4) (3d) (where BAr(F)(4) = [B{C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2)}(4)]) has also been synthesized for structural study. While 3a appears to be symmetric in solution and asymmetric in solid state, 3c and 3d are asymmetric in both solution and solid state. The chirality originates from interligand repulsion, rather than any unsymmetrical ligand. Variable-temperature NMR and computational studies suggest a ligand-twisting isomerization pathway for the interconversion of the enantiomers, rather than the rotational exchange of three CH(3) ligands on the metal center.     

Reactions of Li- and Yb-coordinated N,N'-bis(trimethylsilyl)-beta-diketiminates: one- and two-electron reductions, deprotonation, and C-N bond cleavage

The synthesis and characterisation of novel Li and Yb complexes is reported, in which the monoanionic beta-diketiminato ligand has been (i) reduced (SET or 2 [times] SET), (ii) deprotonated, or (iii) C-N bond-cleaved. Reduction of the lithium beta-diketiminate Li(L(R,R'))[L(R,R')= N(SiMe(3))C(R)CHC(R')N(SiMe(3))] with Li metal gave the dilithium derivative [Li(tmen)(mu-L(R,R'))Li(OEt(2))](R = R'= Ph; or, R = Ph, R[prime or minute]= Bu(t)). When excess of Li was used the dimeric trilithium [small beta]-diketiminate [Li(3)(L(R,R[prime or minute]))(tmen)](2)(, R = R'= C(6)H(4)Bu(t)-4 = Ar) was obtained. Similar reduction of [Yb(L(R,R'))(2)Cl] gave [Yb[(mu-L(R,R'))Li(thf)](2)](, R = R[prime or minute]= Ph; or, R = R'= C(6)H(4)Ph-4 = Dph). Use of the Yb-naphthalene complex instead of Li in the reaction with [Yb(L(Ph,Ph))(2)] led to the polynuclear Yb clusters [Yb(3)(L(Ph,Ph))(3)(thf)], [Yb(3)(L(Ph,Ph))(2)(dme)(2)], or [Yb(5)(L(Ph,Ph))(L(1))(L(2))(L(3))(thf)(4)] [L(1)= N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)CHC(Ph)N(SiMe(2)CH(2)), L(2)= NC(Ph)CHC(Ph)H, L(3)= N(SiMe(2)CH(2))] depending on the reaction conditions and stoichiometry. The structures of the crystalline complexes 4, 6x21/2(hexane), 5(C(6)D(6)), and have been determined by X-ray crystallography (and have been published).     

Interaction of ferrocene moieties across a square Pt4 unit: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of carboxylate-bridged bimetallic Pt4Fe(n) (n = 2, 3, and 4) complexes

Four types of square Pt(4) complexes bearing two or more ferrocenecarboxylate ligands--[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(4)(μ-OCOC(5)H(4)FeCp)(4)] (6); [Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(4)(μ-OCOC(5)H(4)FeCp)(3)(μ-ArNCHNAr)], where ArNCHNAr = N,N'-diarylformamidinate) (7); trans-[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(4)(μ-OCOC(5)H(4)FeCp)(2)(μ-ArNCHNAr)(2)] (8); and cis-[Pt(4)(μ-OCOCH(3))(4)(μ-OCOC(5)H(4)FeCp)(2)(κ(4)-N(4)-DArBp)(2)], where DArBp = 1,3-bis(benzamidinato)propane (9)--were successfully prepared via reactions of [FeCp(η(5)-C(5)H(4)COOH)] (5) with the corresponding square Pt(4) complexes, which have labile in-plane acetate ligands. The newly prepared Pt(4) complexes (6-9) with ferrocene moieties as pendants were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (MS), combustion analyses, and single-crystal X-ray analysis for 6, some of the trans-Pt(4)Fe(2)8, and the cis-Pt(4)Fe(2) complexes 9. Weak interactions between two ferrocene moieties across the Pt(4) core, providing ΔE(1/2) values and K(c) constants, were revealed electrochemically, using cyclic and differential-pulse voltammetry in dichloromethane containing [(n)Bu(4)N][BAr(F)(4)] (where Ar(F) = C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)-3,5), which was a better supporting electrolyte for such an interaction than [(n)Bu(4)N][PF(6)].     

Binuclear cyclometalated organoplatinum complexes containing 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene as spacer ligand: kinetics and mechanism of MeI oxidative addition

The binuclear complex [Pt2Me2(ppy)2(mu-dppf)], 1, in which ppy = deprotonated 2-phenylpyridyl and dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, was synthesized by the reaction of [PtMe(SMe2)(ppy)] with 0.5 equiv of dppf at room temperature. In this reaction when 1 equiv of dppf was used, the dppf chelating complex 2, [PtMe(dppf)(ppy-kappa1C)], was obtained. The reaction of Pt(II)-Pt(II) complex 1 with excess MeI gave the Pt(IV)-Pt(IV) complex [Pt2I2Me4(ppy)2(mu-dppf)], 3. When the reaction was performed with 1 equiv of MeI, a mixture containing unreacted complex 1, a mixed-valence Pt(II)-Pt(IV) complex [PtMe(ppy)(mu-dppf)PtIMe2(ppy)], 4, and complex 3 was obtained. In a comparative study, the reaction of [PtMe(SMe2)(ppy)] with 1 equiv of monodentate phosphine PPh3 gave [PtMe(ppy)(PPh3)], A. MeI was reacted with A to give the platinum(IV) complex [PtMe2I(ppy)(PPh3)], C. All the complexes were fully characterized using multinuclear (1H, 31P, 13C, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and complex 2 was further identified by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The reaction of binuclear Pt(II)-Pt(II) complex 1 with excess MeI was monitored by low temperature 31P NMR spectroscopy and further by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the kinetics of the reaction was studied by UV-vis spectroscopy. On the basis of the data, a mechanism has been suggested for the reaction which overall involved stepwise oxidative addition of MeI to the two Pt(II) centers. In this suggested mechanism, the reaction proceeded through a number of Pt(II)-Pt(IV) and Pt(IV)-Pt(IV) intermediates. Although MeI in each step was trans oxidatively added to one of the Pt(II) centers, further trans to cis isomerizations of Me and I groups were also identified. A comparative kinetic study of the reaction of monomeric platinum(II) complex A with MeI was also performed. The rate of reaction of MeI with complex 1 was some 3.5 times faster than that with complex A, indicating that dppf in the complex 1, as compared with PPh 3 in the complex A, has significantly enhanced the electron richness of the platinum centers.     

The preparation and characterisation of hetero- and homobimetallic complexes containing bridging naphthalene-1,8-dithiolato ligands

Homo- and heterobimetallic complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}] (in which (1,8-S(2)-nap)=naphtho-1,8-dithiolate and {ML(n)}={PtCl(2)} (1), {PtClMe} (2), {PtClPh} (3), {PtMe(2)} (4), {PtIMe(3)} (5) and {Mo(CO)(4)} (6)) were obtained by the addition of [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)], [PtClMe(cod)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), [PtClPh(cod)], [PtMe(2)(cod)], [{PtIMe(3)}(4)] and [Mo(CO)(4)(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene), respectively, to [Pt(PPh(3))(2)(1,8-S(2)-nap)]. Synthesis of cationic complexes was achieved by the addition of one or two equivalents of a halide abstractor, Ag[BF(4)] or Ag[ClO(4)], to [{Pt(mu-Cl)(mu-eta(2):eta(1)-C(3)H(5))}(4)], [{Pd(mu-Cl)(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}(2)], [{IrCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)] (in which C(5)Me(5)=Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), [{RhCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)], [PtCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] and [{Rh(mu-Cl)(cod)}(2)] to give the appropriate coordinatively unsaturated species that, upon treatment with [(PPh(3))(2)Pt(1,8-S(2)-nap)], gave complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}][X] (in which {ML(n)}[X]={Pt(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (7), {Pd(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (8), {IrCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[ClO(4)] (9), {RhCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[BF(4)] (10), {Pt(PMe(2)Ph)(2)}[ClO(4)](2) (11), {Rh(cod)}[ClO(4)] (12); the carbonyl complex {Rh(CO)(2)}[ClO(4)] (13) was formed by bubbling gaseous CO through a solution of 12. In all cases the naphtho-1,8-dithiolate ligand acts as a bridge between two metal centres to give a four-membered PtMS(2) ring (M=transition metal). All compounds were characterised spectroscopically. The X-ray structures of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 reveal a binuclear PtMS(2) core with PtM distances ranging from 2.9630(8)-3.438(1) A for 8 and 5, respectively. The napS(2) mean plane is tilted with respect to the PtP(2)S(2) coordination plane, with dihedral angles in the range 49.7-76.1 degrees and the degree of tilting being related to the PtM distance and the coordination number of M. The sum of the Pt(1)coordination plane/napS(2) angle, a, and the Pt(1)coordination plane/M(2)coordination plane angle, b, a+b, is close to 120 degrees in nearly all cases. This suggests that electronic effects play a significant role in these binuclear systems.