Three-coordinate [Pt(N,N-chelate)(η2-olefin)] complexes: synthesis,properties and reactions with electrophiles

This review provides a survey of the key-class of Pt0 complexes of general formula [Pt(N,N-chelate)(η2-olefin)]. The main spectroscopic, structural and chemical features are discussed, in terms of electronic and steric properties of the ancillary ligands. The versatile reactivity towards electrophiles is described as a very useful entry to PtII compounds with a wide assortment of ligands, such as halido, hydrido, hy- drocarbyl, organometal, organoelement and carbene fragments, in some cases stabilised for the first time by the careful choice of the N,N-ligand. Remarkably, the reactions can be an equilibrium, and their relevant thermodynamic parameters have also been collected, thus allowing a thorough discussion of the electronic and steric factors which affect its position.