| Abstract: | The use of transition-metal complexes as homogeneous catalysts for the production of organic chemicals is of considerable industrial significance. Although palladium complexes have not attained the same importance as, for example, those of rhodium or cobalt, palladium is nonetheless one of the most versatile metals for synthetic organic purposes. An understanding of the role played by the metal in these reactions is essential for their optimal utilization. This necessarily entails a detailed study of the chemistry of the palladium-carbon bond. In this article we concentrate on η3-allylpalladium complexes, which are frequently involved as intermediates in the Pd-catalyzed transformations of dienes. The study of their behavior gives a deeper insight into the individual steps of a catalytic cycle. |
