Hydride platinum gold clusters: synthesis and characterization

[Pt(H)(AuPPh3)8]+ and [Pt(H)(PPh3)(AuPPh3)6]+ were prepared from [Pt(AuPPh3)8]2+ and [Pt(PPh3)- (AuPPh3)6]2+, respectively, using an alkaline methanol solution as hydride forming reagent, while [Pt(H)(SnCl3)(AuPPh3)7]+ was prepared from [Pt(H)(PPh3)(AuPPh3)7]2+ and SnCl3-. The clusters were characterized by 31p, 195pt and 1H NMR, analysis and by the reaction with acid. The cluster growth of PtAux clusters is discussed. The newly prepared compounds did not show any catalytic activity for the hydrogenation and isomerization of hexenes at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.