Synthesis, crystal structure, solution behavior and catalytic activity of a palladium(II)-allyl complex containing a 2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole bidentate ligand

The synthesis and characterization of the cationic complex [Pd(η3-C3H5)(2-((4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine)](BF4) (2) are reported. The solid-state structure of 2 has been unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals that in solution complex 2 is dynamic and that syn–syn, anti–anti exchange of the allyl protons occurs. Complex 2 exhibits good activity in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of aryl bromides with phenyl boronic acid.

Graphical abstractThe cationic allyl complex 2 containing a pyridine-“click”-triazole chelator is an active catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Synthesis of a novel palladium η3-allyl cationic complex containing a “click” triazole based chelating ligand. ► X-ray structure determination of the above complex. ► 1H and 13C NMR, IR and MS(ESI) characterization. ► NMR study of the dynamic behavior of the complex in solution. ► Preliminary studies of its catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura reaction.