Structural and NMR spectroscopic characterization of η3-Benzyl palladium(II) complexes

Abstract η 3 -Benzyl palladium complexes have been prepared by insertion of styrene in the PdMe bond of the solvated cation [L 2 PdMe(solv)] + (L 2 = chelating ligand). The η 3 coordination of the benzyl ligand has been elucidated by X-ray structure determination and NMR spectroscopy. NMR studies have shown that [(η 3 -R-α-benzylPdL 2 ] + (R  Me or Et) undergo two dynamic processes in solution: η 3 - η 1 coordination of the benzyl group and ligand exchange of coordination sites. The TMEDA and DIPY complexes undergo a rapid and reversible reaction with carbon monoxide to yield (R-α-benzylCO)PdL 2 CO] + .