Synthesis and characterization of novel chiral NHC–palladium complexes and their application in copper-free Sonogashira reactions

A new series of chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium complexes were synthesized from a relatively inexpensive amino acid, l-phenylalanine. All these compounds were fully characterized by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and elemental analysis. The X-ray molecular structures of two of the complexes were reported. The catalytic activity of the four palladium complexes was successfully tested in the Sonogashira reaction under copper free conditions in air. The palladium complex 3a provided good activity in the Sonogashira coupling reaction.