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 chara
cterized. (DIPPP)Pd(PR3) complexes catalyze the reaction of ethylene with c
arbon monoxide and phenols to give aryl propionates. In situ P-31 NMR exper
iments have shown that the resting state of the catalyst in these transform
ations is the binuclear species [C(DIPPP)Pd)(2)(mu -H)(mu -CO)][OPh].