Methoxyaryl substituted palladium bis-NHC complexes – Synthesis and electronic effects

Abstract A series of methoxyphenyl substituted chelated bis- N -heterocyclic carbene palladium(II) complexes has been synthesized and characterized by cyclovoltammetry, spectroscopy (NMR, IR), solid state structures and investigated by quantum chemical calculations. The results confirm that a methoxy functionality in para position at the aryl substituent enhances the donor properties of the ligand compared to a methoxy group in ortho or meta position.