Thermal reactivity of cis- and trans-bis(triphenylgermyl)bis(tertiary phosphine)platinum(II)

The complex cis-Pt(Ph3Ge)2(PMe2Ph)2 underwent smooth isomerization to give the trans-isomer at room temperature via an associative five-coordinated intermediate. Thermodyamic parameters and activation energy for the cis to trans isomerization were obtained. Heating of trans-Pt(Ph3Ge)2(PMe2Ph)2 at 50 °C produced trans-PtPh(Ph3Ge)(PMe2Ph)2 followed by the formation of trans-PtPh2(PMe2Ph)2, Pt(PMe2Ph)4, and Ph4Ge finally.