The chemistry of group 10 metal triangulo clusters

For the group 10 metals, nickel, palladium and platinum, M(3) triangulo clusters display a wide chemistry which increases in scope on descending the triad. The substitution and addition chemistry of these compounds is reviewed, focusing mainly on platinum but drawing on palladium and nickel when relevant comparisons and contrasts can be made. The synthesis of triangulo clusters from monomeric compounds and bonding theories are also reviewed. Substitution reactions of [Pt-3(mu-X)(3)Y-3] clusters with CO, SO2, isocganides, phosphines, halides and NO+ are discussed as are the addition and substitution reactions of [Pt-3(mu(3)-CO)(mu-dppm)(3)](2+). Addition reactions of both types of triangulo clusters with metal fragments such as Au(PR(3))(+), M(+), Hg and metal halides are also discussed.