Synthesis, stability and reactivity of palladium(0) olefin complexes bearing labile or hemi-labile ancillary ligands and electron-poor olefins

An overview of the general features of electron-poor olefin stabilized palladium(0) complexes bearing labile and hemi-labile ancillary ligands is presented. In particular, we have summarized the synthetic methodologies, the ligands commonly used, and the characterization of such complexes. The behavior of these species in solution is also described with particular attention to their fluxional rearrangements and reactivity. Thus, olefin exchange reactions are described and a comprehensive order of coordinative capability of the most widely used electron-poor alkenes is presented. The reactions of the title complexes dealing with olefin isomerization, oxidative addition, and formation of palladacyclopentadiene derivatives are eventually reported together with their main structural characteristics. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.