Electrochemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a mercury-platinum-hydride complex

Controlled potential bulk reductive electrolysis of trans-[PtI2(PEt3)(2)] i n 5:2 C6H5CN:C6H6 (saturated with NaClO4)at a Hg pool electrode at -1.5 V ( vs. Ag/AgCl) and at approximately 0 degrees C, yielded two compounds detect able by P-31{H-1} NMR spectroscopy. One compound was the starting material, trans-[PtI2(PEt3)(2)], while the other displayed a complex spectrum. Analy sis of the H-1, P-31{H-1} and Pt-195{H-1} NMR spectra suggested that the co mpound contained an unaccounted for spin one-half nucleus. Scanning electro n microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy indicated that the compound contained mercury and the spectra could be satisfactorily interpreted in terms of a mercury-p latinum-hydride structure. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserv ed.