Bulky 2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl beta-diiminato derived complexes of Pd(II) and Cu(II): Efficient catalysts for Suzuki coupling and alcohol oxidation

Reaction of a bulky Schiff base, 2,6-dibenzhydryl-N-4-((2,6 dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl)imino)pent-2-en-2-yl)-4-methylaniline (Ar(2)NacNacH (Ar = 2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl)) with PdCl2 in toluene under reflux condition affords dinuclear [(Ar(2)NacNac)Pd (mu-CI)](2) (1). Complex 1 upon crystallization from CH2Cl2-MeCN mixture affords mononuclear [(Ar(2)NacNac)Pd(NCMe)Cl] (2). On the other hand, the reaction of Ar(2)NacNacH with Pd(OAc)(2) in toluene under reflux condition or with Cu(OAc)(2)center dot H2O in CH2Cl-MeOH at room temperature affords mononuclear complexes [(Ar(2)NacNac)M(kappa(2)-OAc)] (M = Pd (3) and Cu (4)). The new complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic (IR, ESI-MS, NMR or EPR, UV-Vis), microanalytical (CHN) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, in addition to a single crystal X-ray diffraction study for 2-4. Complexes 1-3 have been employed in Suzuki coupling whereas complex 4 has been investigated for the oxidation of secondary alcohols and have been found to be highly efficient catalysts for the respective reactions. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.