Electrochemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a mercury–platinum–hydride complex

Controlled potential bulk reductive electrolysis of trans-[PtI2(PEt3)2] in 5:2 C6H5CN:C6H6 (saturated with NaClO4) at a Hg pool electrode at −1.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and at approximately 0°C, yielded two compounds detectable by 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. One compound was the starting material, trans-[PtI2(PEt3)2], while the other displayed a complex spectrum. Analysis of the 1H, 31P{1H} and 195Pt{1H} NMR spectra suggested that the compound contained an unaccounted for spin one-half nucleus. Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy indicated that the compound contained mercury and the spectra could be satisfactorily interpreted in terms of a mercury–platinum–hydride structure.