Catalytic activation of N-N multiple bonds: A homogeneous palladium catalyst for mechanistically unprecedented reduction of azo compounds
Just two oxidation states are involved in the homogeneous reduction of azo compounds at a single palladium catalyst site. The reaction proceeds through an intermediate state in which the catalyst displays a novel palladadiaziridine structure, and ethanol or related alcohols can be employed as the terminal reducing agent (see scheme). (Chemical Equation Presented).