Functionalised trimethylsilyl reagents in cluster synthesis: Reactions of Ph2P(S)SSiMe3 with group 11 salts

Abstract

A series of complexes, ranging from the small cluster l/∞[Ag(Ph 2PS2)(dppe)]∞ [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethane] to [Cu48S20(O tBu)2(Ph2PS2)2(dppm -)4(dppm)4] [dppm = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) methane] (the largest Cu cluster containing phosphinodithioato ligands), has been synthesised. The structural evidence presented here indicates that in these reactions initially small cyclic aggregates or one-dimensional coordination polymers are formed. The growth of these intermediates to larger aggregates can take up to several months and could proceed via cationic intermediates. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2005.