Synthesis and Theoretical Studies of a Diorganohydridoplatinum(IV) Complex, PtHMe2{(pz)3BH-N,N‘,N‘‘} ([(pz)3BH]- = Tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate)

The platinum(II) tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate complex [PtMe 2 {(pz) 3 BH- N, N‘ }] - reacts with phenol or aqueous HBF 4 in acetone to form the dimethylhydridoplatinum(IV) complex PtHMe 2 {(pz) 3 BH- N, N‘, N‘‘ }. The complex decomposes above ∼140 °C in toluene- d 8 to give methane. Theoretical calculations at the SCF and MP2 levels for the species PtXMe 2 {(H 2 C N NH) 3 BH- N, N‘, N‘‘ } (where X = H, OH, Me and the fragment [(H 2 C N NH) 3 BH] - is a model for [(pz) 3 BH] - ) yield geometries that compare well with structural reports for Pt(OH)Me 2 {(pz) 3 BH} and PdMe 3 {(pz) 3 BH}.