Activation of alkanes by transition metal complexes
Abstract The data are presented for catalytic H-D exchange of alkanes with protic solvents and some other reactions of alkanes in the presence of transition metal complexes, particularly Pt(II). In Pt(II) chloride solutions the activity of Pt-containing species towards alkanes is in the order S2PtCl2 > SPtCl–3 > PtCl42– (S-solvent). Ligands with properties of soft bases (CN–, CNS–, PPh3 etc.) decrease the rate of H-D exchange. There is a strong evidence that alkyl derivatives and carbene complexes are the intermediates in reactions of alkanes catalyzed by Pt(II). The first step of the reaction is likely to be an oxidative addition RH + Pt(II) Pt(IV)