Formation and decomposition of an α-alkoxyalkyl complex of palladium(II)

Abstract

The α-methoxyalkyl species [{PdCl[CH(OMe)CMe₂CH₂SMe]}₂] decomposes in solution to give complexes containing the acetal McSCH₂CMe₂CH (OMe)₂ or the corresponding aldehyde. The reaction requires water, is acid-catalysed, and produces hydrogen. A mechanism involving protonation of the metal atom, either initially or in a subsequent step, is proposed. Under certain conditions, the acyl complex [{PdCl[C(O)CMe₂CH₂SMe]}₂] or complexes of the ester McSCH₂CMe₂CO₂Me or acid McSCH₂CMe₂CO₂H are produced.