Macrocyclic complexes of Pt( ii ) and Rh( iii ) with iso-tellurazole N -oxides

Pt(ii) and Rh(iii) readily form complexes with 3-methyl-5-aryl-1,2-tellurazole 2-oxides (L = (3-Me-5-Ar-1,2-C3HTe(NO)). The aryl group is either phenyl or 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl, the latter case being a new derivative with enhanced solubility. The compound [Pt(3-Me-5-(3,5-tBu2C6H3)-1,2-C3HTe(NO))4](BF4)2 crystallizes in the P21/C space group featuring a square planar complex in the lattice. The crystal of [RhCl2(3-Me-5-(C6H5)-1,2-C3HTe(NO))4](BF4) belongs to the I4[combining macron] space group and contains an octahedral complex. In both instances, the iso-tellurazole N-oxide molecules are linked by TeO chalcogen bonding interactions confirming an annular tetramer that binds the metal ion as a κ4Te macrocycle in a boat conformation. Low-frequency shifts of the 125Te magnetic resonance upon coordination and the observation of 125Te-195Pt and 125Te-103Rh 1J coupling constants indicate that the complexes are stable species in solution. The complex ions were also observed in the electrospray mass spectra.