Catalytic Suzuki Coupling Reactions by Amido Phosphine Complexes of Palladium

Treatment of PdCl 2 (PhCN) 2 with [NP]Li(THF) 2 ([NP] - = N -(2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)-2,6-diisopropylanilide) in THF affords dimeric {[NP]PdCl} 2, which reacts with tricyclohexylphosphine to produce [NP]PdCl(PCy 3 ). The two phosphorus donors in [NP]PdCl(PCy 3 ) are mutually cis, as indicated by the solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. Both {[NP]PdCl} 2 and [NP]PdCl(PCy 3 ) are highly active catalyst precursors for Suzuki coupling reactions of a wide array of aryl halides, including those featuring electronically deactivated and sterically hindered characteristics.