Mixed ligand platinum complexes as hydrogenation catalysts

Abstract PtLL′Cl 2 (L = PPh 3 , L′ = sulphides, amines) are more effective catalysts for the hydrogenation of styrene to ethylbenzene, in the presence of SnCl 2 ·2H 2 O than PtL 2 Cl 2 or PtL′ 2 Cl 2 ; this effect is attributed to the ability of the weaker ligand L′ to function as a leaving group in the catalytic hydrogenation cycle.