The title compound, [Pd(C26H20N2)(C4H2O3)], displays trigonal coordina
tion of palladium by both N atoms and the double bond of maleic anhydr
ide. The spatial arrangement of the N-aryl groups in the title compoun
d, compared with a more sterically congested analogue, explains satisf
actorily its enhanced reactivity towards organic substrates. The cryst
al packing involves weakC-H ... O and C-H ...pi interactions.