Chapter 10 - Miscellaneous Applications of Palladacycles

Abstract

An interesting aspect of palladium chemistry includes quite a large number of species, often invoked to explain the fascinating catalytic processes, reactive intermediates involved in chemical transformations as these palladium precursors are very stable and innocent in nature. These complexes have found extensive applications as catalytic materials with tremendous potential in areas such as photonics to biochemistry, as shown by recent articles (1, 2). One such class of palladium precursors that are inert toward moisture, air, and having high thermal stability are the “(C,N)Pd” palladacycles. The formation of cyclopalladated complexes is a widely investigated topic from the structural as well as catalytic point of view (3, 4). In this regard, many researchers individually and in groups are actively pursuing the quest for the next generation of palladacycle in order to explore it as a catalyst for organic transformations and as a possible biologically active drug ingredient (5). The present contribution aims to provide investigations of some of the most significant achievements accomplished toward the generalizations of palladacycles during the last decade (6). The aim of this chapter is therefore to document the luminescent, sensing and biological properties of cyclopalladated complexes.