Carbon–Oxygen Bond Activation in Esters by Platinum(0): Cleavage of the Less Reactive Bond

Abstract

Reaction of Pt(dippe)(NBE)2 (NBE = norbornene) with a variety of esters leads to a product in which the less reactive C–O bond is cleaved to give Pt(dippe)(O2CR)(R′). A further disproportionation reaction occurs to eliminate R′2 and produce Pt(dippe)(O2CR)2. Details of the mechanisms of these reactions are explored.