Catalytic Activation of NN Multiple Bonds: A Homogeneous Palladium Catalyst for Mechanistically Unprecedented Reduction of Azo Compounds

Just two oxidation states are involved in the homogeneous reduction of azo compounds at a single palladium catalyst site. The reaction proceeds through an intermediate state in which the catalyst displays a novel palladadiaziridine structure, and ethanol or related alcohols can be employed as the terminal reducing agent (see scheme).