Substituted NHC–PEPPSI–Pd(ii) complexes: synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations and catalytic application in thiazole C–H arylation


Evren E., Boubakri L., Zouaghi M. O., GÜRBÜZ N., ÖZDEMİR İ., Arfaoui Y., ...More

New Journal of Chemistry, vol.50, no.8, pp.3674-3693, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 50 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1039/d5nj04117a
  • Journal Name: New Journal of Chemistry
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.3674-3693
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, a series of functionalized benzimidazolium salts and their PEPPSI-type Pd(ii)NHC complexes 3a–g were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Quantum chemistry computations at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)/LANL2DZ level were used to examine the molecular structure, electronic characteristics, and chemical reactivity of the ligand and its Pd complex. The new salt and PEPPSI-type Pd-NHC complex were fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the catalytic activity of the NHC–PEPPSI–Pd(ii) complexes was tested by direct arylation of 2-n-propylthiazole and 4,5-dimethylthiazole with various aryl halides at 120 °C for 1 h and 3 h, respectively. It was observed that the palladium complexes gave high yields and were selective at the C5 and C2-positions of heteroaryl derivatives. Complex 3f, with an NHC substituted by a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl group, showed the highest conversion probably due to the flexibility, electronic and mostly steric effects of this group.