Olefin Dimerization and Isomerization Catalyzed by Pyridylidene Amide Palladium Complexes

A series of cationic palladium complexes [Pd(N∧N′)Me(NCMe)]+ was synthesized, comprising three different N∧N′-bidentate coordinating pyridyl–pyridylidene amide (PYA) ligands with different electronic and structural properties depending on the PYA position (o-, m-, and p-PYA). Structural investigation in solution revealed cis/trans isomeric ratios that correlate with the donor properties of the PYA ligand, with the highest cis ratios for the complex having the most donating o-PYA ligand and lowest ratios for that with the weakest donor p-PYA system. The catalytic activity of the cationic complexes [Pd(N∧N′)Me(NCMe)]+ in alkene insertion and dimerization showed a strong correlation with the ligand setting. While complexes bearing more electron donating m- and o-PYA ligands produced butenes within 60 and 30 min, respectively, the p-PYA complex was much slower and only reached 50% conversion of ethylene within 2 h. Likewise, insertion of methyl acrylate as a polar monomer was more efficient with stronger dono...