Stepwise Conversion of a Platinum Dimethyl Complex to a Perfluorometallacyclobutane Derivative

In this report, we have demonstrated proof-in-principle that simple dimethyl metal complexes could be used to generate perfluorometallacyclobutane derivatives. With the new methodology, we have more than doubled the number of known perfluorometallacyclobutanes in the literature. We have also structurally characterized three platinum perfluorometallacyclobutanes and have described a unique transformation whereby one [Pt­(C3F6)] functionality is converted to [Pt­(C3F4O2)]. The new methodology to prepare perfluorometallacyclobutanes also avoids the use of tetrafluoroethylene, which is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase due to the explosion hazards associated with its use.