Efficient PEPPSI-Themed Palladium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Precatalysts for the Mizoroki-Heck Reaction

Two sets of six PEPPSI (pyridine enhanced precatalyst preparation, stabilization, and initiation) themed palladium complexes of amide-functionalized N-heterocydic carbenes [PdBr2(NHC)(Py)], where NHC = 1-acetamido-3-R-imidazolin-2-ylidene, 1-acetamido-3-R-benzimidazolin-2-ylidene and Py = pyridine, were prepared. Solid-state structures of all these complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. All complexes under scrutiny were found to adopt a trans arrangement with square-planar geometry. These complexes showed excellent catalytic activity toward the Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction of aryl chlorides and styrene. Benzimidazole-derived complexes exhibited better catalytic activity than imidazole-based complexes. Formation of palladium nanoparticles in the reaction mixture was evidenced by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy studies and a mercury poisoning experiment, suggesting the possible involvement of palladium nanoparticles in the catalytic reactions.