Reversible hydrogen activation by the Pt complex Pt(Sn(t)Bu3)2(CNtBu)2.

The new platinum complex Pt(Sn(t)Bu(3))(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)(H)(2), 1, was obtained in 32% yield from the reaction of Pt(COD)(2) with (t)Bu(3)SnH and CN(t)Bu at room temperature. Compound 1 is a mononuclear 18 electron platinum complex in an octahedral geometry which contains two Sn(t)Bu(3)'s, two CN(t)Bu's, and two hydride ligands. The two hydride ligands in 1 can be eliminated, both in solution and in the solid state, to yield the 16 electron complex Pt(Sn(t)Bu(3))(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2), 2. Compound 2 reacts with hydrogen at room temperature in solution and in the solid state to regenerate 1.