Thioacetalization of aldehydes and ketones in the presence of hydroxo complexes of platinum(II): An example of Lewis acid catalytic activity

The complex [(dppb)Pt(mu -OH)](2)(BF4)(2) displays high catalytic activity in the thioacetalization of a variety of aldehydes and ketones with mercaptoethanol under very mild conditions. The reaction rate is greatly enhanced by the addition to the reaction mixture of magnesium perchlorate as drying agent and molar turnovers as high as 9700 can be observed. The effect of different desiccating agents is also reported. The reactivity pattern observed, the similarity with other reactions and NMR spectroscopic investigations confirm the possible role of the complex as Lewis acid catalyst in promoting the reaction.