“…Examples of structurally characterized heterobimetallic complexes with an unsupported d 8 –d 10 bond to Pd(II) remain, however, very rare. Only a few examples have been reported, with Ag(I), Au(I), Tl(I), Hg(II), and, very recently by our group, with Cu(I) . For the latter study of the structure and gas-phase thermochemistry of a Pd–Cu complex, cis -bis(1,10-benzo[ h ]quinolinato)-palladium, 1 , [(bhq) 2 Pd(II)] was chosen because it is structurally and electronically similar to proposed intermediates in Pd-catalyzed cross coupling reactions but more stable than other L 2 Pd II R 2 (R = alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl) complexes, the reductive elimination being sterically blocked in the bis-chelate.…”