Structural and theoretical studies of mono and di-insertion of symmetric alkynes into the Pd-C σ bond of cyclopalladated secondary (tert-butyl and ethyl) benzylamines

The reactivity of cyclopalladated secondary amines towards dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and diphenylacetylene is reported. Theoretical studies have been performed in order to compare relative energies of possible conformations of the CC double bonds within the butadienyl fragment of the di-inserted complexes.