C–S Bond Activation of Thioesters Using Platinum(0)

C–S bond activation of both cyclic and acyclic thioesters using (dippe)Pt(NBE) 2 (NBE = norbornene) are reported. In the cases of S -methyl thioacetate and S -ethyl thioacetate, (dippe)Pt(C(O)Me)(SR) (R = Me, Et) formed initially. Further heating in the presence of excess thioester led to formation of the final complex (dippe)Pt(SR) 2 along with acetone and RSMe as organic side products. Pt IV intermediates are proposed to be involved in the reaction mechanism.