Abstract
The mechanism on the oxidative addition reaction of $(TBA)_2\;Pt(CN)_4$ with $Cl_2$ has been studied by means of extended Huckel calculations. Among two possible mechanisms, computational calculations demonstrated that the linear approach of $Cl_2$ to a $Pt(CN)_4$ moiety is more favourable than three-centered transition state. From our calculations, the most stable process is that a $Pt(CN)_4$ moiety interacts with $Cl_2$ in the linear transition state and the cleavage of Cl-Cl bond in a coordinated halogen occurred spontaneously, giving rise to a trans product by back-attacking a $Pt(CN)_4Cl$ moiety by Cl. The process consists of the comparison in the stability of each intermediate with use of bonding and potential energy.