Mechanism of reaction of trans-bis(diethylphenylphosphine)di-m-tolylpalladium(II) with methyl iodide affording m-xylene. Evidence for a reductive elimination process involving intermolecular exchange of organic groups

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00141a036

Reaction of trans-PdAr₂L₂ (1, Ar = m-tolyl, L = PEt₂Ph) with MeI in benzene yielded m-xylene over 70% selectivity together with 3,3′-bitolyl. Addition of trans-PdMe(I)L₂ (2) to the system significantly enhanced the reaction rate and the selectivity for m-xylene formation. Kinetic and deuterium-labeling studies have indicated that formation of m-xylene proceeds through an intermolecular process between 1 and 2, the latter of which is formed by oxidative addition of MeI to the Pd⁰-PEt₂Ph species generated in the reaction.