Second-generation electron-poor platinum(II) complexes as efficient epoxidation catalysts for terminal alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

The preparation and characterization of second-generation electron-poor Pt(II) complexes of general formula [(P-P)Pt(C6F5)(H2O)][X], 1a-h (P-P = diphosphine, X = BF4, OTf), bearing a pentafluorophenyl ligand is reported. The complexes are investigated as catalysts in the epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in a chlorinated solvent/H2O two-phase system. The effects of the P-P ligands and of the Lewis acidity of the metal species are discussed with respect to the catalytic activity in the epoxidation reaction