Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of [((ⁱPr)₂P(CH₂)₃P(ⁱPr)₂)(PCy₃)PdH][OR]

The preparation of (DIPPP)Pd(PR₃) and [(DIPPP)(PR₃)PdH][OR‘] (DIPPP = bis(1,3-diisopropylphosphino)propane; R = Cy, Et; R‘ = Ar, CF₃SO₂) is reported. (DIPPP)Pd(PCy₃) and [(DIPPP)(PCy₃)PdH][CF₃SO₃] have been structurally characterized. (DIPPP)Pd(PR₃) complexes catalyze the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and phenols to give aryl propionates. In situ ³¹P NMR experiments have shown that the resting state of the catalyst in these transformations is the binuclear species [{(DIPPP)Pd}₂(μ-H)(μ-CO)][OPh].