Examining [R2B(pz)2]Pt(X)(L) complexes for sigma bond activation

The chemistry of platinum supported by tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes has become an area of intense interest with respect to sigma bond activation chemistry (for example, see recent work by the respective groups of Goldberg, Templeton, and Brookhart). In contrast, surprisingly little bis(pyrazolyl)borate Group 10 chemistry has been explored. Divalent platinum complexes for this ligand class are synthetically challenging in their own right: we have begun to target their systematic preparation. Our goal is to compare the reactivity of [R2B(pz)2]Pt(X)(L) complexes with bis(phosphino)borate complexes of the type [Ph2BP2]Pt(X)(L), systems that are also active with respect to sigma bond activation chemistry. Recent progress with respect to the preparation and study of [R2B(pz)2]Pt(X)(L) complexes will be discussed.