η2-Phosphasilene transition metal complexes – a novel building block for hetero-multimetallic complexes

Compound η²-((R₃Si)₂Si=PH)–Pt(dmpe) was synthesized by trapping the transient phosphasilene, (R₃Si)₂Si=PH. Novel hetero-bi- and tri-metallic complexes derived from η²-((R₃Si)₂Si=PH)–Pt(dmpe) containing Pt with Li, Zn, Hg and Ag metals were synthesized and characterized by multi- nuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The synthesis of η²-((R₃Si)₂Si=PH)–Pt(dmpe), and its bonding character are discussed; a 1,2-silyl shift from silicon to phosphorus (a ‘Brook-type’ rearrangement) within the coordination sphere of a Pt complex is also reported.