The coordination chemistry of phosphinidene sulfides. Synthesis and catalytic properties of Pd4 and Pt4 clusters

Abstract

7-Phosphanorbornene sulfides were used as [RP = S] precursors. The reaction of these precursors with [M(PPh₃)₄] (M = Pd, Pt) yields star-like M₄ clusters in which the central core is coated by three RP = S units acting as 4-electron μ²-P, η²-P = S ligands. The Pd cluster displays both stability and catalytic activity in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. DFT analysis suggests that a mononuclear [η²-RP = S]Pd(PPh₃) complex is involved in the formation of the Pd₄ clusters.