Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) characterisation of dilute palladium homogeneous catalysts

Highly dilute EXAFS characterisation for the elucidation of species involved in Heck chemistry is demonstrated; the major monomer species of Herrmann's acetate-bridged phosphapalladadacycle is characterised and species present during the course of a 50 ppm [Pd] Pd(OAc)(2)/PBu3t catalysed Heck reaction are presented.