Synthesis and catalytic activity of pyrazolyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene palladium complexes

Three pyrazolyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium complexes based on 1-2-(pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]imidazole have been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods, and the structures of two of the complexes have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The pyrazolyl-functionalized NHCs act as chelating N,C-bidentate ligands in these three complexes. Catalytic tests have proved that these complexes exhibit highly effective catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions in water or aqueous/organic media under air. The substituents on the pyrazolyl ring exert different influences on the catalytic activity of the complexes in these coupling reactions.