Self-Assembly of Pt(II) Spherical Complexes via Temporary Labilization of the Metal-Ligand Association in 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Thermodynamically controlled platinum(II) spherical complexes were synthesized via temporary labilization of inert Pt(II)-pyridine bonds by the addition of the strong hydrogen-bond donor 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), which weakens the pyridine metal interaction. The platinum complex was stably trapped after removal of TFE and showed higher acid durability than its palladium counterpart.