Synthesis, characterization and properties of a tri(N-heterocyclic carbene) palladium(II) complex

The synthesis and characterization of an air and moisture stable tri(N-heterocyclic carbene) (triNHC) palladium(II) complex are described. The triNHC ligand is unique in that it is designed to allow for meridional chelation wherein all three carbene moieties can coordinate in the same plane to the metal center, unlike all prior triNHC ligands which exhibit pseudo-facial or tripodal coordination modes.