Synthesis, structure, and catalytic properties of palladium complexes containing bis(phosphino)-amine ligands

•Synthesis of two Pd(II) complexes with N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino)-amine ligands.•Molecular structure and crystal packing of the complexes were investigated.•They represent high catalytic activity in the Heck coupling reactions.•Effect of altering the reaction parameters on the yield was evaluated.

Two N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino)-amine ligands [amine = 4-aminomorpholine (L1) or 1-amino-4-methylpiperazine (L2)] and their Pd(II) complexes were synthesised and characterised by IR and NMR spectroscopies. The structures of ligand L1 and both complexes C1 and C2 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic activity of C1 and C2 in the Heck coupling reactions was assessed. The effect of parameters such as palladium source, solvent, base and reaction time on the conversion was investigated to obtain the optimum conditions for the reaction.

Graphical abstractHeck coupling reactions were conducted by two palladium complexes of bis(phosphino)-amine ligands under air.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide