Palladium hetero‐di(N‐heterocyclic carbene) complexes and their catalytic activities in direct C–H arylation of heteroarenes

A library of neutral and cationic palladium complexes of cis‐chelating hetero‐dicarbene ligands have been prepared. These ligands contain two different NHC donors allowing for a wider degree of variation, and the impact of the distinct NHC units has been compared using various spectroscopic means. In addition, the catalytic activities of these complexes in the direct C‐H arylation of thiophenes with aryl halides were studied leading to the finding that the neutral dibromido complexes of the type [PdBr2(diNHC)] generally outperformed their cationic [Pd (NCMe)2(diNHC)](OTf)2 counterparts. More importantly, complexes containing more distinct NHC units give rise to superior catalysts due to an amplified “stereoelectronic asymmetry” within the complex. A preliminary photophysical study of some selected thiophene reaction products has been conducted as well. The ability to individually change each NHC donor in such dicarbene ligands allows for a better fine‐tuning of complex properties in search for superior catalysts. Palladium hetero‐dicarbene complexes have been prepared and tested for their catalytic activities in the direct C‐H arylation of thiophenes with aryl halides. Complexes containing more distinct NHC units give rise to superior catalysts due to an amplified “stereoelectronic asymmetry.” A preliminary photophysical study of some selected thiophene reaction products has been conducted as well. The ability to individually change each NHC donor in such dicarbene ligands allows for a better fine‐tuning of complex properties in search for superior catalysts.