Crystal and molecular structure of the complex radical ionic salt,N-(β-iodoethyl)pyridinium bis (7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethanide), (C7H9IN)+·(TCNQ)•−·(TCNQ)

A complex radical ionic salt,N-(β-iodoethyl)pyridinium bis (7,7′, 8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethanide), (C₇H₉IN)⁺·(TCNQ)^??·(TCNQ), where TCNQ is 7,7′, 8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane, was synthesized and studied by X-ray structural analysis. The crystal structure of the complex consists of layers. Layers of (C₇H₉IN)⁺ cations alternate with layers of TCNQ molecules packed in stacks. Shortened intermolecular contacts occur in stacks of TCNQ and between cationic and anionic layers.     

Reactivity of tetracyanoquinodimethane with cobalt(II) chloride and bis(diphylphospino)methane in air

The reactions of CoCl₂·6H₂O, dppm (bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane), with different ratios of the components, provided three new compounds, [Co(dppmdo)₃][TCNQ]₂1 (dppmdo = P,P′-dioxo-bis(diphenylphosphinyl)methane), [Co(dppmdo)₃][(μ-TCNQ)-CoCl₃] 2, and [Co(dppmdo)₃][(μ-DCBE)-CoCl₃] 3 (DCBE = p-dicyanomethyl-benzoic ethyl ester). These products were characterized by IR, UV–Vis and UV–Vis-NIR spectra, X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility measurements and cyclic voltammograms. 1 and 2 reveal low-energy transitions in the near-infrared region, which can be attributed to intra-ligand transitions involving radical anions (TCNQ/TCNQ⁻). It is interesting to note that, except for the redox potentials which are anodically shifted, indicating that it is easier to reduce TCNQ in 1 and 2 than the free TCNQ molecule, the electrochemistry of compounds 1 and 2 resemble that of the independent organic acceptor TCNQ. The magnetic properties suggest that an amount of electron transfer has occurred from the Co^II complex, [Co(dppmdo)₃]²⁺, to the TCNQ⁻ anions in 1; an amount of electron transfer also has occurred from the Co^II cation to the TCNQ⁻ anion via a cyanide-bridge in 2; there is a mixture of spin transition of Co^II ions and antiferromagnetic coupling between Co^II ions in 3.     

Molecular conductors with 8,8′-diiodo cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion

New molecular conductors on the base of 8,8′-diiodo cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion (TTF)[8,8′-I₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂] (1), (BMDT-TTF)₄[8,8′-I₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂] (2) and (BEDT-TTF)₂[8,8′-I₂-3,3′-Co(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)₂] (3) were synthesized and their crystal structures and electrical conductivities were determined. All the radical cation salts prepared were found to be semiconductors. Some regularities in the crystal structures of the TTF-based radical cation salts with bis(dicarbollide) complexes of transition metals are discussed.     

Synthesis and properties of 6,6′-dithienyl-4,4′-bipyrimidine and its hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes

Hetero- and homo-leptic Ru(II) complexes of a new 4,4′-bipyrimidine ligand, th₂bpm (6,6′-di(2″-thienyl)-4,4′-bipyrimidine), have been synthesized and characterized. The parent ligand th₂bpm has electron rich thiophene units on the periphery of a bidentate ligand which is capable of binding to metal ions. The heteroleptic complex of th₂bpm [Ru(bpy)₂th₂bpm]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) exhibits a Ru-to-bpm metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption centered at 547 nm and a Ru-to-bpy MLCT absorption centered at 438 nm. The assignment of the low energy absorption is supported by the relative ease of electrochemical reduction of the new complex as compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. The homoleptic complex, [Ru(th₂bpm)₃]²⁺, exhibits a Ru-to-bpm MLCT absorption at slightly higher energy (544 nm). Both complexes are emissive at room temperature in fluid solution and 5 is one of the lowest energy emitters based on tris-bidentate Ru(II) complexes known (λ_max = 770 nm). The luminescence spectra is red-shifted compared to [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and this effect is ascribed to the delocalization in the acceptor ligand.     

Stereoselective synthesis of (1′S,3R,4R)-4-acetoxy-3-(2′-fluoro-1′-trimethylsilyloxyethyl)-2-azetidinone

A stereoselective synthesis of (1′S,3R,4R)-4-acetoxy-3-(2′-fluoro-1′-trimethylsilyloxyethyl)-2-azetidinone as a new fluorine-containing intermediate towards β-lactams, is described. The synthetic key step relies upon the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of ethyl 2-benzamidomethyl-4-fluoro-3-oxo-butanoate via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by [Ru(η⁶-arene)(S,S)-R₂NSO₂DPEN].     

Studies on bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)benzenes and bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)biphenyls

Reactions between the C,C′-dicopper(I) derivative of ortho-carborane and ortho-, meta- and para-diiodobenzene are reported. The reaction with 1,2-C₆H₄I₂ unexpectedly afforded 2,2′-bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)biphenyl, [HCB₁₀H₁₀CC₆H₄]₂2, whereas reactions with 1,3- or 1,4-C₆H₄I₂ provided alternative routes to 1,3-bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)benzene 3 and 1,4-bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)benzene 4, respectively. The crystal structure of the biphenyl derivative 2 revealed significant distortions in the biphenylene framework attributable to the proximity of the two bulky carborane cages. UV absorption spectra and electrochemical data on 2 and 3 showed little electronic communication between the two carborane cages in either, and negligible π-conjugation between the two ortho-phenylene rings in 2. However, substantial evidence was found of electronic communication between the carborane cages via the para-phenylene bridge in 4. B3LYP/6-31G^∗ computations have been carried out on compounds 2 and 4, on 4,4′-bis(ortho-carboranyl)biphenyl 6 and on 1,2-bis(1′-ortho-carboranyl)benzene 7. Those on 2, 4 and 6 show the computed geometries to be in very good agreement with the experimental geometries: those on 7 allowed the reported molecular geometry of this compound to be revised and revealed a long cage C–C bond of 1.725(3) Å.     

Multiple one-electron oxidation and reduction of trinuclear bis(2,4-pentanedionato)ruthenium complexes with substituted diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine ligands

The complexes (μ₃-L¹/L²)[Ru(acac)₂]₃, acac⁻ = 2,4-pentanedionato, L¹ = 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexachlorodiquinoxalino[2,3-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine and L² = 2,3,8,9,14,15- hexamethyldiquinoxalino[2,3-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine, undergo stepwise one-electron oxidation involving a total of three electrons and stepwise one-electron reduction with three (L²) or four electrons (L¹). All reversibly accessible states were characterized by UV–Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemistry. Oxidation leads to mixed-valent intermediates {(μ₃-L)[Ru(acac)₂]₃}⁺ and {(μ₃-L)[Ru(acac)₂]₃}²⁺ of which the Ru^IIIRu^IIRu^II combinations exhibit higher comproportionation constants K_c than the Ru^IIIRu^IIIRu^II states – in contrast to a previous report for the unsubstituted parent systems {(μ₃-L³)[Ru(acac)₂]₃}^+/2+, L³ = diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine. No conspicuous inter-valence charge transfer absorptions were observed for the mixed-valent intermediates in the visible to near-infrared regions. The monocations and monoanions were characterized by EPR spectroscopy, revealing rhombic ruthenium(III) type signals for the former. Electron addition produces ruthenium(II) complexes of the reduced forms of the ligands L, a high resolution EPR spectrum with ¹⁴N and ^35,37Cl hyperfine coupling and negligible g anisotropy was found for {(μ₃-L¹)[Ru(acac)₂]₃}⁻. DFT calculations of (μ₃-L¹)[Ru(acac)₂]₃ confirm several ligand-centered low-lying unoccupied MOs for reduction and several metal-based high-lying occupied MOs for electron withdrawal, resulting in low-energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions.     

Synthesis and characterization of rhenium(I) complexes with the polypyridinic quinone functionalized electron acceptor ligand [3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-benzo[3,4]-phenazine-11,16-quinone, Nqphen

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of fac-[Re(CO)₃(Nqphen)(L)]PF₆ complexes is reported. Nqphen is the quinone substituted acceptor ligand [3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-benzo[3,4]-phenazine-11,16-quinone, and L represents the donor monodentate pyridine substituted ligands 4-tert-butylpyridine (t-Bupy), 4-methoxypyridine (MeO-py) or 10-(4-picolyl)phenothiazine (py-PTZ). The complexes were synthesized by refluxing in methanol the metal precursor fac-Re(CO)₃(Nqphen)TfO (TfO = trifluoromethanesulphonate anion) with the corresponding L ligand. The UV-Vis spectra of the complexes are dominated by intense intraligand (IL) bands, and less intense metal ligand charge transfer (MLCT) bands with maxima in the 380-400 nm region. The IR shows the typical pattern for tricarbonyl Re complexes with facial (fac) geometry. An additional v(CO) stretching band, attributed to the quinone fragment of Nqphen, is observed.Electrochemical data indicate that the acceptor capacity of Nqphen is increased in the complexes with regard to the free ligand. This effect is sensitive to the nature of the L ligand, following the order: MeO-py < t-Bupy < py-PTZ, indicating therefore that the donor capacity of L affects the rest of the molecule. The results obtained for the fac-[Re (CO)₃(Nqphen)(pyPTZ)]PF₆ complex here reported were compared with those observed for the homologous complex fac-[Re(CO)₃(Aqphen)(L)]^0/+, with Aqphen = 12,17-dihydronaphtho[2,3-h]dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]-phenazine-12,17-dione, and L = Cl⁻, TfO⁻, py-PTZ.     

Preparation and properties of optically active polyurethane/TiO2 nanocomposites derived from optically pure 1,1′-binaphthyl

In this study, optically active polyurethanes (PU) were prepared from chiral 1,1′-binaphthyl (BINOL) and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) by the simple hydrogen transfer addition reaction and the high-intensity ultrasonic was applied to the preparation of polyurethane/TiO₂ nanocomposites. The (R)-BPU and (S)-BPU were analyzed by ¹H NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-vis spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The results indicated that the polymers exhibited stronger CD signals with positive and negative Cotton effect in their CD spectra. Meanwhile, the nanocomposites were characterized by IR, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results manifested the improvement of heat stability of the nanocomposites with the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles. As a result, the infrared emissivity (8-14 μm) study revealed that the nanocomposites possessed much lower infrared values compared with those of the neat polymers and nanoparticles, respectively.     

Simultaneous Spin-Crossover Transition and Conductivity Switching in a Dinuclear Iron(II) Coordination Compound Based on 7,7′,8,8′-Tetracyano-p-quinodimethane

The reaction of Fe(OAc)₂ and Hbpypz with neutral TCNQ results in the formation of [Fe₂(bpypz)₂(TCNQ)₂](TCNQ)₂ ( 1 ), in which Hbpypz=3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazole and TCNQ=7,7′,8,8′-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane. Crystal packing of 1 with uncoordinated TCNQ and π–π stacking of bpypz⁻ ligands produces an extended two-dimensional supramolecular coordination assembly. Temperature dependence of the dc magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements indicate that 1 undergoes an abrupt spin crossover (SCO) with thermal spin transition temperatures of 339 and 337 K for the heating and cooling modes, respectively, resulting in a thermal hysteresis of 2 K. Remarkably, the temperature dependence of dc electrical transport exhibits a transition that coincides with thermal SCO, demonstrating the thermally induced magnetic and electrical bistability of 1 , strongly correlating magnetism with electrical conductivity. This outstanding feature leads to thermally induced simultaneous switching of magnetism and electrical conductivity and a magnetoresistance effect.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a 3D-framework polyoxometalate assembly: [Ag(4,4′-bipy)](OH){[Ag(4,4′-bipy)]2[PAgW12O40]}·3.5H2O

A 3D framework assembly based on the Keggin tungstophosphate POM with silver (I) transition metal and N-ligand organic moiety and of formula [Ag(4,4′-bipy)](OH){[Ag(4,4′-bipy)]₂[PAgW₁₂O₄₀]}·3.5H₂O (1) (bipy=bipyridine) has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and structurally characterized. The crystal of 1 belongs to triclinic, space group P-1, Mr=3857.27, , , , α=85.7249(5)°, β=72.8795(5)°, γ=79.9543(5)°, , Z=1, . The final statistics based on F² are GOF=1.045, R₁=0.0326 and wR₂=0.0843 for I>2σ(I). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the molecular structure of 1 consists of a neutral fragment {[Ag^I(4,4′-bipy)]₂[PAg^IW^VI₁₂O₄₀]}, [Ag^I(4,4′-bipy)]⁺ cation, hydroxide anion and lattice water molecules. The {[Ag^I(4,4′-bipy)]₂[PAg^IW^VI₁₂O₄₀]} subunits are interconnected through Ag(I) with bipyridine ligands, both surface bridging and terminal oxygen atoms of polyoxoanions (POMs) to represent a novel three-dimensional (3D) polymer with 1D elliptic channels. Meanwhile, the [Ag^I(4,4′-bipy)]⁺ cations are also linked each other to form 1D chains, and embedded in 1D elliptic channels.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal and BVS investigations on ZnS4N^N/N coordination environment: Single crystal X-ray structures of bis(dibenzyldithiocarbamato)(N^N)Zinc(II) complexes (N^N = 1,10-phenanthroline,tetramethylethylenediamine and 4,4′-bipyridine)

The current paper describes the synthesis and spectral investigations on the adducts of [Zn(dbzdtc)₂] (1) with 1,10-phen (2), tmed (3), 2,2′-bipy (4) and 4,4′-bipy (5) (where, dbzdtc = dibenzyldithiocarbamate anion, 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, tmed = tetramethylethylenediamine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridne) and single crystal X-ray structures of [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(1,10-phen)] (2) and [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(tmed)] (3) and [Zn(dbzdtc)₂(4,4′-bipy)] (5). ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of 1,10-phen, tmed, 2,2′-bipy and 4,4′-bipy adducts were recorded. ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes show the drift of electrons from the nitrogen of the substituents forcing a high electron density towards sulfur via the thioureide π-system. In the ¹³C NMR spectra, the most important thioureide (N¹³CS₂) carbon signals are observed in the region: 206–210 ppm. Fluorescence spectra of complexes (2) and (4) show intense fluorescence due to the presence of rigid conjugate systems such as 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′-bipyridine. The observed fluorescence maxima for complexes with an MS₄N₂ chromophore in the visible region are assigned to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) processes. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis of (2) and (3) showed that the zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral environment. Bond Valence Sum was found to be equivalent to 1.865 for (2), 1.681 for (3) supporting the correctness of the determined structure. BVS of (3) deviates from the formal oxidation number of zinc due to the non-aromatic, sterically hindering tetramethyl bonding end of tmed. Thermal studies on the compounds show the formation of Zn(NCS)₂ as an intermediate during the decay.     

Donor–acceptor complex of a new bis‐TTF donor containing a pyridine diester spacer with TCNQ as the acceptor: a disappointing system

A new bis‐TTF donor (TTF is tetrathiafulvalene) containing a pyridine diester spacer, namely bis{2‐[(6,7‐tetramethylene‐3‐methylsulfanyltetrathiafulvalen‐2‐yl)sulfanyl]ethyl} pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate–tetracyanoquinodimethane–dichloromethane (2/1/2), 2C₃₃H₃₃NO₄S₁₂·C₁₂H₄N₄·2CH₂Cl₂, has been synthesized and its electron‐donating ability determined by cyclic voltammetry. The electrical conductivity and crystal structure of this donor–acceptor (DA) complex with TCNQ (tetracyanoquinodimethane) as the acceptor are presented. The TCNQ moiety lies across a crystallographic inversion centre. In the crystal structure, TTF and TCNQ entities are arranged in alternate stacks; this feature, together with the bond lengths of the TCNQ molecule, suggest that the expected charge transfer has not occurred and that the D and A entities are in the neutral state, in agreement with the poor conductivity of the material (σ_RT = 2 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹).     

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic evidence of ground state charge densities at TCNQ sites in crystalline Cs2 (TCNQ)3

The reported Raman spectrum of the Rb TCNQ salt allows, for the first time, examination of all the vibrational features of the TCNQ ^? radical anion. The knowledge of the TCNQ fundamental frequencies as well as of those for neutral TCNQ makes it possible to interpret the infrared and Raman spectra of Cs₂ (TCNQ)₃ and to conclude that in this salt both neutral and negatively charged TCNQ units are present in the crystal. The result is a first fruitful application of vibrational spectroscopy to the study of complex TCNQ salts, opening the way to an extensive investigation of TCNQ semiconducting salts.     

Vibrational spectra and structure of the photochromic 2-(2′,4′-dinitrobenzyl)pyridine

The molecular structure of the pale yellow crystals of 2-(2′,4′-dinitrobenzyl)pyridine (CH₂ form) and its photo induced ‘enamine’ NH tautomer (dark blue crystals) have been studied by means of vibrational spectra and ab initio calculations. The Raman spectrum of the photo-sensitive CH₂ form was registered by NIR FT-Raman spectroscopy by means of the Nd:YAG laser as an excitation source. Ab initio calculations have been performed for the CH₂ and NH tautomers at the Hartree-Fock level using a 6-21G** basis set. The theoretical geometrical parameters for the isolated 2-(2′,4′-dinitrobenzyl)pyridine molecule (CH₂ form) are close to the literature X-ray diffraction data. According to the theory the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyridine ring planes in the NH photo induced tautomer is about 46°, the ortho-nitro group is twisted about 25° towards the benzene ring plane, whereas the para-nitro group is coplanar to the benzene ring. The assignment of the fundamental vibration frequencies of both 2-(2′,4′-dinitrobenzyl)pyridine tautomers CH₂ and NH have been performed on the basis of Raman and infrared spectra and ab initio force field calculations. The computed frequencies are in coincidence with the registered ones; the mean deviations are between 23.7 and 28.5 cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis, single crystal X-ray structure and optical properties of 3,4-dimethyl-dithieno[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]thiophene-7,7-dioxide

The synthesis of the title compound (4), starting from commercial 3-bromo-4-methylthiophene, is described. The single crystal packing mode of 4, as well as the absorption and photoluminescence properties in solution and in the solid state are reported and analyzed in relation to those of the isomeric 3,5-dimethyl-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene-4,4-dioxide (7). The different reactivities of 4 and 7 towards bromination are analyzed in the light of the results of ab initio B3LYP/6-31G^∗ calculations on both compounds.     

New active ruthenium(II) complexes based N3,N3′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diamine and P,P′-diphenylphosphinous acid-P,P′-[2,2′-bipyridine]-3,3′-diyl ester ligands for transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones by propan-2-ol

The dimeric starting material [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ reacts with N3,N3′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-diamine, 1 and P,P′-diphenylphosphinous acid-P,P′-[2,2′-bipyridine]-3,3′-diyl ester, 2 ligands to afford bridged dinuclear complexes [C₁₀H₆N₂{NHPPh₂-Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂}₂], 3 and [C₁₀H₆N₂{OPPh₂-Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂}₂], 4 in quantitative yields. These bis(aminophosphine) and bis(phosphinite) based Ru(II) complexes serve as active catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives in 2-propanol and especially 4 acts as a good catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 99% yield in 20 min (TOF ? 280 h⁻¹).     

Synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional fluorinated metal phosphates incorporating 2,2′-bipyridine ligands: M2F2(2,2′-bpy)(HPO4)2(H2O) (M=Fe, Ga)

Two fluorinated metal phosphates, M₂F₂(2,2′-bpy)(HPO₄)₂(H₂O) (M=Fe, Ga), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic susceptibility. The two compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the triclinic space group , a=7.6595(8)Å, b=10.101(1)Å, c=11.260(1)Å, α=107.555(2)°, β=105.174(2)°, γ=98.975(2)°, V=775.1(2)ų and Z=2 for the Fe compound, and a=7.5816(6)Å, b=9.9943(7)Å, c=11.1742(8)Å, α=107.333(1)°, β=105.014(1)°, γ=99.261(1)° and V=754.2(2)ų for the Ga compound. They are the first fluorinated metal phosphates which incorporate 2,2′-bipyridine ligands. The structure consists of edge-sharing octahedral dimers with the composition Fe₂F₄(H₂O)₂O₄ and discrete FeN₂O₄ octahedra, which are linked into two-dimensional sheets through corner-sharing phosphate tetrahedra. The 2,2′-bpy ligands bind in a bidentate fashion to the metal atoms and project into interlamellar region. The layers are extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular array via π-π stacking interactions of the 2,2′-bpy ligands. Magnetic susceptibility of the iron compound confirms the presence of Fe^III.     

Two-photon absorption chromophores with a tunable [2,2′]bithiophene core

Sonogashira coupling between 3,5,3′,5′-tetrabromo-[2,2′]bithiophene and various terminal alkynes provides two-photon absorption (TPA) chromophores 1-6, which possess electron donor (D) and/or acceptor (A) alkynyl substituents at 3(3′) and 5(5′) sites of the bithiophene core. The up-converted fluorescence emission excited at 800 nm (Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser, ∼100 fs pulses) was used to determine the two-photon absorption cross-sections (σ) of these compounds. The corresponding TPA cross-section (σ) values ranging from 132 to 1120 GM (10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴ s photon⁻¹) can be fine-tuned by the substitutents. The quadrupolar-type (A-π-D-π-A) chromophore 5 exhibits the largest σ value (1120 GM) in CH₂Cl₂ upon 800 nm excitation.     

Synthesis of a new bidentate ferrocenyl N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursor and the palladium (II) complex trans-[PdCl2(CfcC)], where (CfcC) = 1,1′-di-tert-butyl-3,3′-(1,1′-dimethyleneferrocenyl)-diimidazol-2-ylidene

A new ferrocenyl-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursor 1,1′-bis[(1-tert-butylimidazolium)-3-methyl]ferrocene dichloride has been synthesised and structurally characterised. The imidazolium salt was readily deprotonated in situ with KN(SiMe₃)₂ and reacted with [PdCl₂ (cod)] to afford the structurally characterised palladium (II) complex trans-[PdCl₂(C^∧fc^∧C)], where (cod) = 1,5-cyclooctadiene and (C^∧fc^∧C) = 1,1′-di-tert-butyl-3,3′-(1,1′-dimethyleneferrocenyl)-diimidazol-2-ylidene.