Synthesis of a new bidentate ferrocenyl N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursor and the palladium (II) complex trans-[PdCl2(C∧fc∧C)], where (C∧fc∧C) = 1,1′-di-tert-butyl-3,3′-(1,1′-dimethyleneferrocenyl)-diimidazol-2-ylidene

The complex trans-[PdCl2(C∧fc∧C)], where (C∧fc∧C) = 1,1′-di-tert-butyl-3,3′-(1,1′-dimethyleneferrocenyl)-diimidazol-2- ylidene, has been prepared by reaction of the corresponding imidazolium salt with a strong base in the presence of a Pd(II) precursor. The complex trans-[PdCl2(C∧fc∧C)] represents a rare example a chelating bidentate carbene ligand coordinating to a metal centre with a trans geometry.