Intramolecular transcyclometallation: the exchange of an aryl-Pt bond for an alkyl-Pt bond via an agostic intermediate.

Oxidation of a square-planar platinum complex leads to a five coordinate cationic intermediate that can be stabilized and trapped out via an agostic interaction with the alkyl chain of a ligand. Subsequent reaction of this species leads to the formation of an alkyl-Pt bond at the expense of an aryl-Pt bond: an intramolecular transcyclometallation.