Functionalized imidazoline-2-ylidene complexes of rhodium and palladium

N-Heterocyclic 'carbene' ligands derived from imidazole are alternatives for the well-established phosphine ligands in organometallic catalysis. In contrast to phosphines, the carbene ligands do not undergo ready dissociation from palladium and rhodium so that immobilization techniques appear reasonable. The synthesis of novel, functionalized imidazoline-2-ylidene complexes suitable for reactions with functionalized polymers is reported, as well as the synthesis of a water-soluble metal complex. Furthermore, model compounds for polyether-substituted imidazoline-2-ylidene complexes are presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.