Solid-state structures of (R sub 3 P) sub 2 PtX sub 2 complexes as determined by a combination of sup 13 C( sup 1 H) and sup 31 P( sup 1 H) NMR spectroscopy

Cross-polarization, combined with magic-angle spinning, has been employed to obtain high-resolution solid-state {sup 13}C and {sup 31}P NMR spectra of a series of 31 (R{sub 3}P){sub 2}PtX{sub 2} complexes. These data together with spectra obtained in solution were used to compare the solid-state structures with those in solution. It was found that most of these complexes, which have regular square-planar structures in solution, are distorted in the solid state. The extent of the solid-state distortion is a function of the bulk of the coordinated ligands and increases as the ligand size increases. The solid-state distortions appear to result from intramolecular steric effects for cis-(R{sub 3}P){sub 2}PtX{sub 2} and probably from intermolecular crystal packing forces for trans-(R{sub 3}P){sub 2}PtX{sub 2}. 37 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.