Coordination chemistry of the metalloligand [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] with nickel(II) complexes – an electrospray mass spectrometry directed synthetic study

The reactivity of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] towards a range of nickel(II) complexes has been probed using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry coupled with synthesis and characterisation in selected systems. Reaction of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] with [Ni(NCS)2(PPh3)2] gives [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4Ni(NCS)(PPh3)]+, isolated as its BPh4 − salt; the same product is obtained in the reaction of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] with [NiBr2(PPh3)2] and KNCS. An X-ray structure determination reveals the expected sulfide-bridged structure, with an N-bonded thiocyanate ligand and a square-planar coordination geometry about nickel. A range of nickel(II) complexes NiL2, containing β-diketonate, 8-hydroxyquinolinate, or salicylaldehyde oximate ligands react similarly, giving [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4NiL]+ cations.