New method for the synthesis of [PtCl{η1-CH2C(O)R}(N-N)] ketonyl derivatives starting from the Zeise’s salt

In this work, the reactivity of the Zeise’s salt, K[PtCl3(η2-C2H4)], with ketones, in the presence of strong bases, has been studied. In these conditions the formation of metastable intermediate complexes of the type trans-[PtCl2{η1-CH2C(O)R}(η2-C2H4)]−, has been demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy. Further reaction with dinitrogen ligands (N-N) gives [PtCl{η1-CH2C(O)R}(N-N)] complexes. This reactivity of the Zeise’s anion can be exploited for the first general synthesis, in a one pot reaction, of σ-carbon Pt(II) ketonyl derivatives with aliphatic or aromatic dinitrogen ligands (even if sterically hindered).