Reaction Of Platinum Gold Cluster Compounds With Dihydrogen

The platinum-gold cluster compound [Pt(AuPPh3)8](NO3)2 has been found to reversibly and rapidly react with dihydrogen to give the new dihydride cluster [Pt(H)2(AuPPh3)8](NO3)2. The reaction takes place in solution and solid phases. In solution the reaction has been followed by NMR spectroscopy as a function of temperature and H-2 pressure and by electrochemistry. The new cluster has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and is thought to be a key intermediate in the rapid H-2-D2 equilibration reaction catalyzed by [Pt(Au-PPh3)8](NO3)2.