An η2transition state for the insertion of [Pd(dppe)] fragments into the phosphorus–carbon bonds of phosphiranepentacarbonyltungsten complexes. Crystal and molecular structures of (2R,3S,4R)- and (2R,3S,4S)-[Pd(dppe)(CHPhCHPhPPh)-W(CO)5], dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane
Evidence for a transition state involving η2 co-ordination of a P–C bond to [Pd(dppe)] is obtained from an analysis of the insertion of [Pd(dppe)] fragments into (E)- and (Z)-[W(CO)5(PPh–CHPh–CHPh)] complexes.