Synthesis of a neutral SPS pincer Pd(II) complex with the proligand PhP(C6H4SH-2)2 [phPS2H2]. The X-ray crystal structure of [Pd(phPS2)(PPh3)]

The reactivity of the hybrid phosphorus–sulfur proligand phPS2H2 with the trans-[Pd(Cl)2(PPh3)2] precursor has been explored. By reacting trans-[Pd(Cl)2(PPh3)2] with phPS2H2 in the presence of NEt3 as base, the complex [Pd(phPS2)(PPh3)] was obtained. A single crystal X-ray structure determination for [Pd(phPS2)(PPh3)] shown the compound to be square planar with the ligand phPS2 behaving as a SPS pincer ligand.