A convenient reagent for generation and stabilization of cationic methallylpalladium complexes containing nitrogen ligands

A convenient synthesis of the easily handled, air stable methallyloxyphosphonium salt [CH2C(Me)CH2−O-P(NMe2)3]+[(3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3)4B]− 5 is described. The utility of this reagent in the generation and stabilization of cationic η3-methallyl palladium complexes through oxidative addition reactions is illustrated by the preparation of the stable salts of [(η3-C4H7)Pd(NN)]+[(3,5-(CF3)2-C6H3)4B]− from Pd2(dba)3. The molecular structure of one of them has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction.