Spin-labelled cyclometallated palladium complexes. EPR study of dynamic processes in coordination sphere

New four-, five- and six-coordinated cyclometallated o-semiquinonato palladium complexes were obtained and characterized in solution by EPR. Interaction of square-planar azaphenyl palladium semiquinonate with mono and bidentate phosphane donors leads to formation of five- and six-coordinated adducts. Typical values of HFC constants on apical and basal phosphorouses are observed for such compounds. In one case the reversible addition of tri-phenyl-phosphane was observed. The coordination mode of pincer ligand (bi- or tridentate) in o-semiquinonato pincer complexes depends on the nature of linker between coordinating group and pincer aryl ring. In the case of -CH2- linker five coordinated complexes are formed. The "swing" and "fan" oscillations are observed for these compounds. Complexes with -O- linker are the first examples of compounds with bidentate bonded phosphorous-based pincer ligand. Most of complexes are unstable and decompose during some hours. Only the application of o-semiquinones as spin labels and using the EPR technique made possible to observe and interpret their structure. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.