C-S Bond Activation of Thioesters Using Platinum(0)

C-S bond activation of both cyclic and acyclic thioesters using (dippe)Pt(NBE)(2) (NBE = norbomene) are reported. In the cases of S-methyl thio acetate and S-ethyl thioacetate, (dippe)Pt(C(O)Me)(SR) (R = Me, Et) formed initially. Further heating in the presence of excess thioester led to formation of the final complex (dippe)Pt(SR)(2) along with acetone and RSMe as organic side products. Pt(IV) intermediates are proposed to be involved in the reaction mechanism.