Searching for precursors to metal-metal bonded dipalladium species: A study of Pd(sub 2)(super 4+) complexes

The reactions of Pd(sub3)(OAc)(sub 6) with lithium salts of mononegative bidentate N,N-ligands, L, of various types are investigated in a search for ways to obtain Pd(sub 2)(super 4+) compounds that could serve as precursors to paddlewheel complexes with a metal-metal bond and a Pd(sub 2)(super 5+)core. The reactions are found to be complex and that either square planar mononuclear or dinuclear species might form depending on the reaction conditions or the method of isolation.