Electrospray mass spectrometric investigation of the reactivity of the sulfide centers in [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3) 4] towards organic dihalides and the catalytic potential of this complex in the syntheses of organosulfur materials

Abstract

Activity of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3) 4] (1) towards 1,4-dichlorobutane, 1,2-dichloroethane, α-α′-dichloro-o-xylene and α-α′ -dichloro-m-xylene and the catalytic role of 1 in the syntheses of organosulfur materials was studied by in situ electrospray mass spectroscopy (ESMS). An intermediate, [Pt2(μ-SC2H4S)(PPh 3)4][PF6]2 (6) was isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic diffractometry. In all reactions studied, the {Pt2S2} core is preserved, except for those involving excess NaBH4. Treatment of 6 with excess NaBH4 leads to the formation of mononuclear complex [Pt(η-S 2C4H8)(PPh3)]. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.