High Quantum Yield Molecular Bromine Photoelimination from Mononuclear Platinum(IV) Complexes

Pt(IV) complexes trans-Pt(PEt3)2(R)(Br)3 (R = Br, aryl and polycyclic aromatic fragments) photoeliminate molecular bromine with quantum yields as high as 82%. Photoelimination occurs both in the solid state and in solution. Calorimetry measurements and DFT calculations (PMe3 analogs) indicate endothermic and endergonic photoeliminations with free energies from 2 to 22 kcal/mol of Br2. Solution trapping experiments with high concentrations of 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene suggest a radical-like excited state precursor to bromine elimination.