The interaction of bis-(ethylenediamine)-palladium(II) iodide with potassium and potassium amide in liquid ammonia

The reaction of bis-(ethylenediamine)-palladium(II) iodide with potassium amide in liquid ammonia at -33.5 degrees has been shown to yield [Pd(en)(en-H)]1 and [Pd(en-H)2]. The weakly basic properties of the former and the strongly basic properties of the latter have been demonstrated by their respective reactions with water, dilute acids and potassium tetraiodomercurate(II). The thermal decomposition of these substances also is described. The reduction of [Pd(en)(2)]l(2) and [Pd(en)(en-H)]I with potassium in liquid ammonia at -33.5 degrees has been shown to yield impure palladium metal.