Synthesis and reactivity of water-soluble platinum(II) complexes containing nitrogen ligands

A series of water-soluble platinum(II) complexes containing bidentate imino pyridine ligands L of the general formula LPtX2 (X=Cl or Me) have been prepared. The dichloro complexes are very stable in water or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), even at elevated temperatures, whereas the dimethyl complexes are less stable in these strongly polar solvents. In DMSO, an equilibrium between the complex LPtMe2 and (DMSO)2PtMe2 is observed, whereas in water decomposition is observed within 1 day at room temperature.