Ligand reactivity and resulting carbene formation in the complex Pt(π-CS)2(Ph3P)2

Electrophilic attack at both sulphur atoms in the complex Pt(π-CS2)(Ph3P)2 by methyl or ethyl iodide results initially in the formation of a cationic carbene complex [PtI(Ph3P)2(C(SR)2)]11 at 25°C. Subsequent reaction under reflux gives a neutral carbene complex with resultant loss of phosphine ligand.