Hawke, David John2024-08-142024-08-1419711971https://hdl.handle.net/1828/18078Studies of the methods available for synthesis of complexes of the type [M₂X₂(PR₃)₄][BF₄]₂, where M = Pd or Pt; X = Cl, Br or I; and R = ethyl or phenyl, are reported: including the synthesis and characterisation of the new complexes [Pd₂Br₂(PEt₃)₄][BF₄]₂ and [Pd₂I₂(PPh₃)₄][BF₄]₂. Mass spectral studies of nine triethylphosphine complexes of nickel (II) , palladium (II) and platinum (II) are described. Reactions of the cations [M₂X₂(PR₃)₄]²⁺ with aldehydes, acetone, acetyl chloride, carboxylic acids, formate esters, olefins and pyridine are described, and the results compared with reaction of related rhodium (I) and iridium (I) complexes. The reaction of [Pt₂Cl₂(PR₃)₄]²⁺, where R = ethyl or phenyl, with formic acid leads to catalytic decomposition of the acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and a possible reaction cycle is proposed.99 pagesAvailable to the World Wide WebThesis