A Platinum(II) Extended Linear Chain Material That Selectively Uptakes Benzene

cis-Bis(isopropyl isocyanide)dicyanoplatinum(II), Pt(II)(CN-i-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2), has been synthesized, and its solid-state characteristics have been investigated. X-ray crystallographic data show that Pt(II)(CN-i-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2) forms an extended linear chain (ELC) material in the solid state that is yellow and luminescent. Exposure of crystalline films of Ptn(CN-i-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2) to benzene vapor leads to a solid of crystallinity. Single-crystal -state luminescence color change from yellow to blue and a loss X-ray data obtained for a benzene solvate of Pt(II)(CN-i-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2) Suggest that the luminescent blue form observed in the thin film results from a structural rearrangement. In the benzene solvate single crystal the lattice is changed frorn a staggered to an eclipsed ELC material in which the unit cell has expanded by 20% in volume and contains one benzene molecule for every two Pt(II)(CNi-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2) molecules. The selectivity, kinetics, and reversibility of this transformation have been studied to determine if crystalline films of Pt(II)(CN-i-C(3)H(7))(2)(CN)(2) would make a useful benzene sensor.