Complexation of N-heterocyclic silylenes to Pd(0): formation of highly labile homoleptic complexes Pd[Si(tBuNCH2CH2NtBu)]4 and Pd[Si(tBuNCHCHNtBu)]3

The reaction of N-heterocyclic silylenes (NHS) 1 and 2 with Pd complexes, notably [(tert-butyl)3P]2Pd(0) and (COD)Pd(CH3)2, is described. The formation of homoleptic NHS complexes Pd[tBu)]4 and Pd[tBu)]3 is reported. The rearrangement of these complexes into dinuclear silylene-bridged compounds and the solid state structures of the latter complexes are discussed.