Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic activity of benzimidazole-functionalized Pd(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

Two Pd(II)–NHC complexes bearing benzimidazole and pyridine groups have been successfully prepared and fully characterized by NMR and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The structure of palladium complexes are a typical square‐planar with palladium surrounded by two pairs of trans‐arranged benzimidazole and carbene ligands. The Pd–NHC complexes have been proved to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction of aryl halides with various substituted acrylates under mild conditions in excellent yields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Two palladium (2a and 2b) N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes containing benzimidazole and pyridine groups have been synthesized and determined by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The Pd‐NHC complexes have been proved to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Mizoroki‐Heck coupling reaction of aryl halides with various substituted acrylates under mild conditions in excellent yields.