Cationic Two-Coordinate Complexes of Pd(I) and Pt(I) Have Longer Metal-Ligand Bonds Than Their Neutral Counterparts

Abstract

Summary One-electron oxidation of known ( t Bu 3 P) 2 M (1, M = Pd; 2, M = Pt) with [Ph 3 C][HCB 11 Cl 11 ] leads to two-coordinate, monovalent cations of the formula [( t Bu 3 P) 2 M][HCB 11 Cl 11 ] (3, M = Pd; 4, M = Pt), which also possess linear geometry but with elongated M–P bonds. Spectroscopic and computational studies consistently show that the unpaired electron of the d 9 configuration of 3 and 4 belongs to largely non-bonding orbitals: the s/d z2 hybrid for Pd and the degenerate d x2-y2 /d xy pair for Pt. We show that molecular-orbital-based arguments alone are incapable of predicting or rationalizing the observed M–P bond lengthening on oxidation; correct prediction and rationalization are achieved only by inclusion of electrostatic and Pauli effects. This emphasizes the dangers of interpreting any perturbative changes in bond metrics solely on the basis of energies and occupancies of molecular orbitals; the inclusion of electrostatic and Pauli components is essential to providing a more complete picture.