Taking Too Many Precautions in Making a Catalyst is Never a Loss of Time

The reaction in MeOH between the bis-chelate complex [Pd(dppe)2](OAc)2 and Pd(OAc)2 to give the monochelate product Pd(OAc)2(dppe) is assisted by free acetate ion and its rate is proportional to the concentrations of both reagents (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane). The aggregation of Pd(OAc)2 in CH2Cl2 and the low dielectric constant of this solvent are proposed to be important factors in accelerating the formation of Pd(OAc)2(dppe) in CH2Cl2