Na2PtCl4

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), with the chemical formula K2PtCl4, is an inorganic chemical compound. It is a salt formed from the potassium cation (K+) and the tetrachloroplatinate(II) anion ([PtCl4]2-). This compound typically appears as a red or orange crystalline solid. It is soluble in water, forming a reddish-brown solution.

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) is an important intermediate in the synthesis of other platinum compounds, particularly those used in catalysis and in the preparation of platinum-based anticancer drugs. For example, it is a precursor to cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)) and carboplatin. The synthesis of these drugs often involves reacting K2PtCl4 with ammonia or other ligands.

The compound can be prepared by reacting platinum metal with aqua regia to form hexachloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6), followed by reduction and treatment with potassium chloride. Alternatively, it can be synthesized by heating potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) (K2PtCl6) in the presence of a reducing agent.

In terms of its structure, the tetrachloroplatinate(II) anion has a square planar geometry, with the platinum atom at the center and the four chloride ligands positioned at the corners of a square. This geometry is characteristic of d8 metal ions in their +2 oxidation state. Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) is a diamagnetic compound. It is moderately stable but can decompose upon strong heating.