Which of the following has a longer C-C bond length and why? a. C2H4 b. K[PtCl3(C2H4)]

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 21, 2018

Would not the #C-C# bond of the bound ethylene in the platinum salt be longer?

Explanation:

In this scenario, the olefin acts as a #pi-"acid"#, and bonds side-on to the Lewis acidic metal centre. #C-C# bond lengths of #1.38xx10^-10*m# are recorded, as opposed to the #1.34xx10^-10*m# bond length observed for pure ethylene.

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