High-yield one-step synthesis in water of [Pt3n(CO)6n]2– (n > 6) and [Pt38(CO)44]2–

Carbonylation of Na2PtCl6·6H2O, as well as K2PtCl6, in water under a CO pressure of 900 mm Hg selectively and quantitatively affords [Pt3n(CO)6n]^2- (n > 6) salts; conversely, their corresponding carbonylation at reduced CO pressure of 760–800 mm Hg leads to a convenient one-step synthesis of [Pt38(CO)44]^2-.