Transmetallation reactions of [Sn(R)2(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] with metal complexes of the Group 10: Stereoselective synthesis of cis-[M(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] (M=Ni, Pd, Pt)

The complexes cis-[M(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] M=Ni, Pd, Pt were stereoselectively synthesized by transmetallation reactions of [M(Cl)2(NCC6H5)2] M=Pd, Pt or NiCl2·6H2O with [Sn(R)2(Ph2PC6H4-2-S)2] R=Ph, nBu or tBu. The conformation of the Pd and Pt derivatives being unequivocally confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies showing both metal centers to be into a slightly distorted square planar environment, the main distortion being due to the steric hindrance caused by the aromatic rings in the phosphine moiety.