The kinetics of isomerization of allylbenzene homogeneously catalysed by palladium(II) in acetic acid

Abstract

The changes in the kinetics observed during the isomerization of allylbenzene catalysed by palladium(II) are interpreted in terms of the slow formation of a hydrido complex of palladium(II) which subsequently attains a constant concentration in an equilibrium system. The kinetics during these phases are shown to be consistent with first-order dependence on the concentration of an active catalyst formed in a bimolecular reaction from a mononuclear palladium(II) complex and with a regenerative hydrido-π-alkene-σ-alkyl mechanism of isomerization. The hypothesis that a further stage in the kinetics reflects a change in the rate determining step to one involving alkene displacement from the catalyst is supported by the experimental evidence. The concentration of active catalyst is shown not to fall appreciably until all the allylbenzene has undergone isomerization, but thereafter there is a slow reduction of catalytic activity which is not completely restored by the addition of further allylbenzene. It is suggested that the slow formation of a π-allylic complex is responsible.