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Tuning Reactivity of Platinum(II) Complexes

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σ-Donation<br />

According to classical explanation, the trans-effect causes electrostatic destabilisation <strong>of</strong><br />

the ligand in the trans position and it is observable in the Pt–trans ligand bond length<br />

elongation through σ-donation. The trans ligand T and the leaving group (X) both share<br />

the metal dsp 2 orbital in the ground stat (Scheme 2.5).<br />

T 1<br />

T 2<br />

Pt<br />

(a)<br />

Scheme 2.5: A schematic diagram showing the difference in the Pt–X bond strengths for<br />

38<br />

Pt<br />

(b)<br />

a (a) weak and (b) strong σ-donor ligand T1 and T2, respectively. In (b) the<br />

strong trans σ-donor weakens the bond to the trans ligand (Pt–X).<br />

The stronger <strong>of</strong> the two contributes more electron density towards the shared orbital. If<br />

the trans ligand (T) is the stronger σ-donor, the Pt–T bond shortens while that <strong>of</strong> Pt–X is<br />

elongated and weakened as a result <strong>of</strong> less electron density being availed to this bond.<br />

Hence, in the normal trans-effect one bond shortens while the other lengthens. Bond<br />

cleavage <strong>of</strong> the weakened bond (Pt–X), trans to strong σ-donors occurs very fast during<br />

substitution reactions and as a result reduces the significance <strong>of</strong> nucleophilicity <strong>of</strong> the<br />

incoming ligand.<br />

π-back-donation or the π-Acceptor Effect<br />

Ligands such as CO and C2H4 stabilise the complex also by π-back-donation. It is the<br />

interaction <strong>of</strong> filled 5dxz or 5dxy orbital <strong>of</strong> the Pt metal (suppose the trans ligand lies on<br />

the x or y-axis) with empty π(px) or π(py) orbital <strong>of</strong> the ligand. Hence, π-back-donation<br />

increases the positive charge <strong>of</strong> the Pt(<strong>II</strong>) atom by a decrease <strong>of</strong> electron density in the<br />

xz or xy plane. This facilitates nucleophilic attack in the xz or xy plane and stabilises the<br />

corresponding five-coordinate transition state relative to the ground state by<br />

withdrawing the π-electron density <strong>of</strong> the metal into its own empty π*-orbitals as<br />

X<br />

X

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