N4-tetradentate dicarboxyamidate/dipyridyl palladium complexes as robust catalysts for the Heck reaction of deactivated aryl chlorides.

Structurally well defined and thermally stable Pd(II) complexes, derived from N4-tetradentate dicarboxyamide/dipyridyl ligands, were evaluated as catalysts for the Heck reactions of deactivated aryl chlorides and olefins (see scheme). The concept of using an anionic carboxyamide as an ancillary ligand for palladium demonstrated here provides a new opportunity for the development of phosphine-free transition-metal catalysis.