Synthesis and Characterization of Anionic, Neutral, and Cationic PNP Pincer PdII and PtII Hydrides

The synthesis and characterization of anionic, neutral, and cationic hydride complexes of platinum and palladium are reported utilizing the PNP (PNP = 2,6-bis­(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)­pyridine) ligand. Comparisons by IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography are made across the series. Evaluation of the metal hydride stretching frequencies of the cationic through anionic complexes shows a trend of increasing M–H bond activation. The reactivity of these metal hydrides with oxygen is evaluated and compared to previously reported oxygen insertion reactions.