Crystal structures of the azido platinates (AsPh4)2[Pt(N3)4] and (AsPh4)2[Pt(N3)6]

The crystal structures of the two homoleptic azido platinates (ASPh(4))(2)[Pt(N-3)(4)] (1) and (AsPh4)(2)[Pt(N-3)(6)] (2) were determined by X-ray diffraction at single crystals. In 1 the [Pt(N-3)(4)](2-) ions are without crystallographic site-symmetry, and the platinum atoms show a planar surrounding. The [Pt(N-3)(6)](2-) ions in 2 are centrosymmetric (C-i) with an octahedral surrounding at the platinum atoms. While 1 is highly explosive, 2 is of significantly greater stability. This behaviour is explained by the packing conditions. 1: Space group P2(1)/n, Z = 6, lattice dimensions at -80 degrees C: a = 1045.3(1), b = 1620.2(1), c = 4041.0(3) pm; beta = 96.70(1)degrees; R-1 = 0.0654. 2: Space group P (1) over bar, Z = 1, lattice dimenstions at -80 degrees C: a = 1027.6(1), b = 1049.1(2), c = 1249.9(3) pm; alpha = 88.27(1)degrees, beta = 74.13(1)degrees, gamma = 67.90(1)degrees; R-1 = 0.0417.