The stereochemistry of the reaction of bicyclo[2,2,1]heptadienepalladium chloride with methoxide anions

Abstract

The complex [C₇H₈(OCH₃)PdCl]₂ is obtained on reaction of bicyclo[2,2,1]heptadienepalladium chloride with methoxide anions. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies on this complex, the corresponding trideuteriomethoxy-complex, and [C₁₀H₁₂(OCD₃)PdCl]₂ show that the methoxy-group has an exo-configuration, i.e., trans addition to the co-ordinated olefin occurs. The mechanistic implications of these observations are discussed.