Synthesis, spectroscopy, and theoretical studies of platinum(II) phosphate complexes

A method for the synthesis of [Pt(dpp)2(en)] (dpp = diphenyl phosphato, en = ethane-1,2-diamine) is reported, and the resulting complex characterised spectroscopically. The synthesis involves displacement of chloride ligands using silver(I), and requires non-aqueous media. Density functional studies suggest typical square-planar coordination geometry, with rather weak Pt–O bonds and very strong N–HO hydrogen bonds. Comparison with model complexes suggests that phosphates are weaker ligands to platinum(II) than nitrates, and are therefore likely to be highly reactive