New XeF2 adduct cations with PdIV and PtIV were identified

What the study found: The study found previously unobserved [MF3(XeF2)3]+ adduct cations for M = Pd and Pt. These cations are mononuclear and cationic, and they show multiple XeF2 ligands coordinated to a single metal(IV) center.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that these cations extend the chemistry of XeF2–MF4 systems and represent rare, crystallographically characterized examples of XeF2 coordination to PtIV and PdIV. They also state that these compounds form a new class of XeF2 coordination compounds involving a fluoridometal cation.
What the researchers tested: The researchers prepared crystals of the double salts [Xe2F3][MF3(XeF2)3][AsF6]2 from anhydrous HF solutions. They characterized the crystals by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and they performed quantum-chemical calculations to examine bonding and electronic structure.
What worked and what didn't: The crystal structures revealed the [MF3(XeF2)3]+ adduct cations for M = Pd and Pt. The optimized gas-phase geometries from the calculations showed good agreement with the experimental solid-state structures. The abstract does not report any unsuccessful result.
What to keep in mind: The available summary does not describe experimental limitations in detail. The conclusions are based on the specific Pd and Pt salts studied and on the methods described in the abstract.

Key points

• Crystals of [Xe2F3][MF3(XeF2)3][AsF6]2 were prepared for M = Pd and Pt.
• Low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed new [MF3(XeF2)3]+ adduct cations.
• The cations show XeF2 coordinated to a single metal(IV) center.
• Quantum-chemical calculations agreed well with the experimental solid-state structures.
• The authors describe these as a new class of XeF2 coordination compounds.