Synthesis, isolation, and characterization of an organometallic triiodopalladium(IV) complex. Quantitative and regioselective synthesis of two C-I reductive elimination products

Iodine and the pincer complex [Pd(O,N,C-L)I], where L is the monoanionic ligand resulting from deprotonation of the acetyl group of the dimethylmonoketal of 2,6-diacetylpyridine, are in equilibrium at low temperatures with the palladium(IV) complex [Pd(O,N,C-L)I(3)], which can be isolated at -40 °C and characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies, in spite of its great instability. When the same reaction is carried out at room temperature, a quantitative reductive elimination process occurs, giving L-I, which in the presence of water affords L'-I, resulting from hydrolysis of L-I.