Synthesis and crystal structures of 3-alkyl-2,4-pentanedionates and 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedionate of palladium

A series of 3-substituted pentane-2,4-dionate complexes of palladium have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes are stable at room temperature in air; however, they slowly decompose in solution. The crystal structures of these complexes show that the palladium is square planar with respect to the two pentane-2,4-dionate ligands.

Graphical abstractThe syntheses and crystal structures of 3-alkyl-2,4-pentanedionates and 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedionate of palladium are reported. The syntheses are conveniently carried out by the reaction between palladium(II) acetate and the appropriate 3-substituted-2,4-pentanedionate where the acetate acts as a good leaving group as well as a base to deprotonate the pentanedione. The packing of the pentanedionate complexes of palladium(II) account for some unusual inter-molecular interactions and thus some unusual bond angles in the molecules.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A general, convenient synthesis of 3-substituted pentane-2,4-dionate complexes of palladium is reported. ► A complete series of five bis(3-substituted pentane-2,4-dionate)palladium(II) complexes structurally characterized. ► Crystal packing forces play the largest role in deviations from planarity of the palladium pentane-2,4-dionate ring systems.