Tuning the Stability of Pd(IV) Intermediates Using a Redox Non-innocent Ligand Combined with an Organolanthanide Fragment.

The unique combination of a divalent organolanthanide fragment, Cp*Yb, with bipyrimidine (bipym) and a palladium bis-alkyl fragment, PdMe, allows the rapid formation and stabilization of a Pd tris-alkyl moiety after oxidative addition with MeI. The crucial role of the organolanthanide fragment is demonstrated by the substitution of bipym by the 4,5,9,10-tetraazaphenanthrene ligand, which drastically modifies the electronic structure and tunes the stability of the Pd species.