Structural characterization of the metalloligand tbpyPt(C22-py)2 and its interaction with Pd(OAc)2

The metalloligand tbpyPt(C22-py)2 (where HC22-py = 2-ethynylpyridine) was synthesized, characterized, and bound to Pd(OAc)2. X-ray diffraction analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicate that two equivalents of tbpyPt(C22-py)2 bind to one equivalent of Pd(OAc)2. The crystal structure and optimized structure (DFT) of tbpyPt(C22-py)2 were compared to the crystal structure of a previously reported trans-bidentate metalloligand, Cp*2Ti(C22-py)2. Comparisons between these two ligands indicate that the inflexibility of the C-Pt-C hinge in tbpyPt(C22-py)2 is what prevents this species from acting as a trans-bidentate ligand.