Thermal decomposition studies on platinacycloalkanes of the type Pt(CH 2)mL2 (where m = 6,7,8,10 and L2 = dppp {1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane}, dppe {1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane} or L = PPh3, tBu3P) are described. The results reveal that the organic product distribution depends on various factors such as the nature of ligand, the metal system, the mode of decomposition, the ring size and the temperature. Possible mechanistic pathways for the formation of various products are discussed. These platinacycloalkanes can be used as models for metallacycloalkane intermediates in catalytic reactions. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.