Improved One-Pot Synthesis of Mixed Methyl−Aryl Platinum(II) Diimine Complexes

A general one-pot synthetic route for mixed methyl−aryl Pt(II) diimine complexes is described. Performing the alkylation in neat Me2S instead of ether or THF greatly reduces the amount of comproportionation products otherwise formed, diminishes separation problems, and improves yields. Treatment of the intermediate methyl−aryl complexes (Me2S)2Pt(Me)(Ar) with diimines (N−N) furnishes the methyl−aryl Pt(II) diimine complexes (N−N)Pt(Me)(Ar) in 76−84% yields. The Pt methyl−phenyl complex [p-Tol-NC(Me)C(Me)N-p-Tol]Pt(Me)(Ph) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction.