The Direct Synthesis of a Silene–Organometallic Complex

σ or π? The direct synthesis and the molecular and electronic structures of a novel η2-silene platinum complex, 1, is reported (see scheme). The nature of bonding in 1 was studied by using geometrical and electronic structure criteria, and the results suggested that 1 is best described as an hybrid between a π complex and a σ-cyclopropane structure with a more dominant π-complex character than in a related disilene complex.