Atomically precise structures of Pt2(S-Adam)4(PPh3)2 complexes and catalytic application in propane dehydrogenation

As a bridge between single metal atoms and metal nanoclusters, atomically precise metal complexes are of great significance for controlled synthesis and catalytic applications at the atomic level. Herein, novel Pt-2(S-Adam)(4)(PPh3)(2) complexes were prepared via the conventional synthetic methods of metal nanoclusters. The atomically precise crystal structures of the binuclear Pt complexes with three kinds of packing modes in a unit cell were determined by X-ray crystallography. The two Pt atoms are bridged by two S atoms of thiolates, constructing a rhombus on a plane. Moreover, the ultraviolet visible absorption spectra of Pt-2(S-Adam)(4)(PPh3)(2) complexes show an apparent absorption peak centered at 454 nm. Furthermore, the Pt complexes were used as precursors to prepare catalysts for non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation. The as-prepared Pt-based catalysts with a particle size of approximately 1 nm demonstrated a propane conversion of about 18% and significantly enhanced selectivity for propylene, up to 93%. Our work will be beneficial to the basic understanding of platinum complexes, as well as the improvement of the catalytic dehydrogenation of propane.

Automated summary

Atomically precise metal complexes, such as the Pt-2(S-Adam)(4)(PPh3)(2) complexes synthesized in this study, play a crucial role in controlled synthesis and catalytic applications. The crystal structure analysis revealed various packing modes of these complexes, and their UV-visible absorption spectra showed distinct absorption peaks. Moreover, these Pt complexes demonstrated high catalytic activity and selectivity in the propane dehydrogenation reaction.