Stereoselective α-olefin coordination to chiral organoplatinum(II) complexes

Very high (>95%) stereoselectivity of alpha-olefin coordination is observed in a new class of chiral platinum(II) complexes of the general formula [Pt(eta(2)-CH2=CHR){cis-1-(N=CHC6H4)-2-(N=CHPh)C6H10}]BF4 and [Pt(eta(2)-CH2=CHR){trans-1-(=CHC6H4)-2-(N=CHPh)C6H10}]BF4 (R = H, Me, Ph, 4-Me-C6H4) and is attributed to the steric bulk and asymmetry of the supporting diimine ligands. The first structurally characterized chiral model complex for stereoselective copolymerization of a prochiral olefin by a late-transition-metal complex is described.