Exploration of the Mechanism of Platinum(II)-Catalyzed C–F Activation: Characterization and Reactivity of Platinum(IV) Fluoroaryl Complexes Relevant to Catalysis

A series of Pt­(IV) complexes relevant to catalytic C–F activation have been prepared and structurally characterized. PtIV–F complexes, formed by C–F activation, underwent transmetalation with Me2Zn to generate Me3PtIV fluoroaryl complexes. In all cases, the Me3PtIV complex underwent reductive elimination to generate methylated organic products. The reactivity of both PtIV–F and Me3PtIV fluoroaryl complexes was strongly affected by the electronic nature of the cyclometalated fluoroaryl ligand.