Syntheses, structural studies, photoelectron spectra and density functional theory calculations of the “pseudo” tetraphospha-metallocenes [M(?-P2C3But3)2], (M = Ni, Pd, Pt)

Syntheses and structural characterization of the complexes [M(?-P2C3But3)2], (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) are described. The nickel compound has an 18-electron [Ni(?5-P2C3But3)(?3-P2C3But3)] structure, whereas the palladium and platinum compounds both have a 16-electron [M(?3-P2C3But3)2] structure (M = Pd, Pt).The electronic structure is examined and discussed using both photoelectron spectroscopy and DFT calculations.