Synthesis and characterisation of Pd(II) allyl complexes derived from the diterpene carvone

A series of cationic allyl complexes of Pd(II) derived from the diterpene carvone have been synthesised and characterised using the chelating ligands, bipyridine, 1,8-phenanthroline, neocuproin, S,S (-)-Chiraphos and R (+)-Binap as co-ligands. These complexes can be readily converted to new organic products in which one C---H bond of the allyl methyl has been substituted. The structure of a bipyridyl complex as its tetraphenyl borate salt has been determined via X-ray diffraction. 2-D NOESY studies on the Chiraphos and Binap complexes are reported. The Binap, but not the Chiraphos, complex reveals η³-η³η³ isomerisation at ambient temperature.