Catalytic Suzuki Coupling Reactions by Amido Phosphine Complexes of Palladium

Treatment of PdCl2(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(PCy3). The two phosphorus donors in [NP]PdCl(PCy3) are mutually cis, as indicated by the solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. Both {[NP]PdCl}2 and [NP]PdCl(PCy3) 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.