Selective sp3 C-H bond activation of alkylaromatics promoted by platinum complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(94)80137-1

Facile sp³ C-H bond activation of toluene, p-xylene and mesitylene, was photochemically promoted by trans-Pt(CH2CMe2Et)Br(PPh3)2 leading to trans-Pt(CH2Ar)Br(PPh3)2 quantitatively, while regioselective sp³ C-H bond cleavage at the benzylic position of ethylbenzene and cumene readily took place to yield styrene and α-methylstyrene, respectively.A possible reaction mechanism involving radical process is discussed on the basis of isotope and radical-trap experiments. Key words: Platinum; Benzyl; Bond activation; Radical; Photochemistry