Transition Metal and Hydrogen Bond Donor Hybrids: Catalysts for the Activation of Alkylidene Malonates

Palladium ureaka! Urea palladacycles are introduced to activate alkylidene malonates for nucleophilic attack. The strategic incorporation of palladium on a urea scaffold give rise to urea catalysts with enhanced reactivity when compared to conventional urea and thiourea catalysts. A variety of alkylidene malonates are easily activated with urea palladacycle catalysts giving rise to the corresponding products in high yield (see scheme).