Cationic sigma-phenylplatinum(II) complexes with carboxylic acid functionality: pK(a) determinations and x-ray structures

The preparation and characterization of a novel series of cationic sigma-phenylplatinum(II) complexes of the type trans-Pt(sigma-C(6)H(5))(L)(2)A]OTf (A = picolinic acid, L = PPh(3) (4) and PMePh(2) (7); A = nicotinic acid, L = PPh(3) (5) and PMePh(2) (8); A = isonicotinic acid, L = PPh(3) (6), PMePh(2) (9), and PEt(3) (10)) are described. The pK(a) value for the carboxylic acid functionality in selected complexes was found to follow the order 7 (pK(a) = 5.23 +/- 0.09) > 8 (4.85 +/- 0.10) > 9 (3.51 +/- 0.08) > 6 (3.26 +/- 0.07) approximately 10 (3.21 +/- 0.08) by means of potentiometric titration experiments in 50% (v/v) EtOH/H(2)O solution at 295 K. The X-ray crystal structures of 9 and 10 were also determined. The asymmetric unit of each of 9 and 10 comprises a univalent complex cation, a triflate anion, and a solvent CH(2)Cl(2) molecule of crystallization. Centrosymmetrically related pairs of complex cations in 9 associate via the familiar carboxylic acid dimer motif, whereas with 10, the carboxylic acid dimer motif is absent. Instead, the carboxylic acid residue forms both donor and acceptor interactions to the triflate anion and CH(2)Cl(2) solvent of crystallization, respectively, to afford a 10-membered ring structure. Possible reasons for the observed differences in the solid-state structures of 9 and 10 are presented.