Tuning the Stability of Pd(IV) Intermediates Using a Redox Non-innocent Ligand Combined with an Organolanthanide Fragment

The unique combination of a divalent organo­lanthanide fragment, Cp*2Yb, with bipyrim­idine (bipym) and a palladium bis-alkyl fragment, PdMe2, allows the rapid formation and stabil­ization of a PdIV tris-alkyl moiety after oxidative addition with MeI. The crucial role of the organo­lanthanide fragment is demonstrated by the substitution of bipym by the 4,5,9,10-tetra­aza­phen­anthrene ligand, which drastically modifies the electronic structure and tunes the stability of the PdIV species.