Cationic olefin Pd(II) complexes bearing α-iminoketone N,O-ligands: unprecedented isomerisation of the methoxycyclooctenyl ligand

The reaction of [Pd(η1,η2-C8H12OMe)Cl]2 with α-iminoketone ligands affords cationic η1,η2-5-methoxycyclooctenyl Pd(II) complexes, the intramolecular and interionic structures of which were investigated in both solution and solid state; such complexes undergo unprecedented isomerisation to η1,η2-1-methoxycyclooctenyl complexes assisted by weak nucleophiles such as olefins or alkynes.