K2PdCl4

Potassium tetrachloropalladate(II), K2PdCl4, is an inorganic salt that consists of the palladium(II) tetrachloride dianion [PdCl4]2- balanced by two potassium cations. The [PdCl4]2- anion features a square-planar geometry around the palladium center, which is typical for Pd(II) complexes.

In solid form, K2PdCl4 appears as a pale yellow to off-white crystalline salt. In aqueous solution, it dissociates into K+ ions and the [PdCl4]2- anion. The compound is commonly prepared by converting palladium(II) chloride to the tetrachloro complex in the presence of chloride and potassium ions, then isolating the potassium salt by crystallization.

K2PdCl4 is widely used as a convenient source of palladium(II) for synthesis in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. It serves as a precursor to a broad range of palladium(II) coordination compounds, including complexes with phosphine, amine, and other ligands. It is also employed as a starting material for generating palladium(II) and palladium(0) species in catalytic cycles, enabling the preparation of various catalysts for cross-coupling and related transformations.

Safety and handling follow standard laboratory guidelines for palladium salts. K2PdCl4 is typically handled with gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation or ingestion hazards. It should be stored in a dry place and disposed of as a hazardous inorganic salt according to local regulations.