SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY OF 2Hg

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(84)80376-9

The reaction of Pt(PPh3)n (n = 3 or 4) with <(CF3)3Ge>2Hg or (CF3)3GeHgPt(PPh3)2Ge(CF3)3 (I) gives a stable diplatinum complex <(CF3)3GePt(PPh3)2>2Hg (II).X-Ray analysis has established that compound II contains a Ge-Pt-Hg-Pt-Ge chain of C₂ symmetry.Both of the Pt atoms have distorted square-planar coordinations.The bond lengths are: Pt-Hg, 2.630(2) and 2.665(2) Angstroem, Ge-Pt, 2.410(4) and 2.407(4) Angstroem.Compound II reacts with dihydrogen in THF solution under mild conditions to give mercury and the hydride (CF3)3GePt(PPh3)2H.On interaction of II with R2Hg organomercurials (R = Cl, Et, GeEt3, Ge(CF3)3, Ge(C6F5)3) an unknown reaction takes place: Pt(PPh3)2 moieties migrate from the polymetallic grouping into the substrate with the formation of the corresponding RHgPt(PPh3)2R complexes or their demercuration products, R2Pt(PPh3)2 (R = Cl, Et).The latter react further with complex I formed in the first step of the process to give Hg and (CF3)3GePt(PPh3)2R.The reaction schemes are discussed.