Palladium(II) chloride

Basic Information of Palladium(II) Chloride

CAS No.	7647-10-1
EC No.	231-596-2
Chemical Formula	PdCl2
Molecular Weight	177.33 g/mol
Appearance	Dark red to reddish-brown crystalline powder
Odor	Odorless
Melting point	678–680 °C (decomposes)
Boiling point	Not applicable (decomposes)
Density	approx. 4.09 g/cm³
Solubility	Insoluble in water (slowly hydrolyzes); soluble in hydrochloric acid, acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO (forms complexes)
Nature (hazards)	Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergic skin reaction, harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic life
RIDADR	UN 3260, Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Palladium dichloride), Class 8, Packing Group III
Chemical Structure

Primary Applications of Palladium(II) Chloride

Palladium(II) Chloride serves as a versatile Pd(II) precursor, readily forming soluble coordination complexes in polar media such as hydrochloric acid or acetonitrile, which subsequently generate active catalytic species in numerous palladium-mediated transformations. Due to its well-defined coordination chemistry and predictable reduction behavior, it is widely utilized in systems associated with palladium salts and catalyst precursor preparation, where controlled conversion to catalytically active Pd(0) species is required.

1. Cross-Coupling Catalyst Preparation
   Acts as the primary Pd source for generating precatalysts used in Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck, Sonogashira, Stille, and Negishi couplings, enabling efficient C–C bond formation in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. In situ reduction of PdCl₂ in the presence of ligands or reducing agents produces active Pd(0) complexes suitable for scalable catalytic systems.

2. C–H Activation & Functionalization
   Facilitates direct C–H arylation, halogenation, and olefination reactions, providing atom-economical access to complex molecules with reduced prefunctionalization steps. The chloride coordination sphere can influence catalytic pathways and stabilize key Pd(II) intermediates in directed C–H activation processes.

3. Allylic Substitution & Tsuji-Trost Reactions
   Serves as a Pd source for allylic alkylation, amination, and etherification, offering high regio- and stereocontrol in the synthesis of natural products and advanced intermediates. In these reactions, PdCl₂ is typically converted into π-allyl palladium complexes that govern nucleophilic substitution selectivity.

4. Carbonylation & CO-Coupling Reactions
   Enables carbonylative couplings, esterifications, and amidations, providing efficient routes to carboxylic acid derivatives and heterocycles in specialty chemicals. Under CO atmosphere, palladium chloride-based systems form acyl-palladium intermediates, supporting industrial-scale carbonylation chemistry.

5. Thin-Film & CVD Palladium Deposition
   Used in solution-based or vapor-phase processes to deposit high-purity palladium films, electrodes, or seed layers in microelectronics and sensor applications. Its defined stoichiometry and controlled decomposition characteristics make it suitable for materials science and surface engineering applications.

6. Organometallic Complex & Catalyst Development
   Employed as starting material for synthesizing Pd(II) and Pd(0) complexes, ligands, and novel catalytic systems in academic and industrial R&D. Its reactivity toward phosphines, amines, and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands enables systematic catalyst design and screening studies.

For a broader classification of palladium materials, including salts, oxides, supported catalysts, and organometallic complexes across industrial sectors, refer to Palladium Compounds: Applications, Categories & Industrial Uses.

• High Palladium Content Consistency
  Rigorous analytical verification ensures accurate Pd assay, low residual impurities, and batch-to-batch reproducibility for dependable downstream performance.

• Secure Palladium Sourcing
  Transparent, responsible procurement with inventory buffering to provide supply stability and competitive pricing amid market fluctuations.

• Technical Application Guidance
  Dedicated specialists offer advice on dissolution, complex formation, catalyst activation, and reaction optimization for your specific processes.

• Full Regulatory Compliance
  Comprehensive documentation including Certificates of Analysis, REACH, RoHS, and detailed SDS to streamline global operations and audits.

• Sustainability & Recycling Support
  Ethical sourcing practices and palladium recovery/recycling programs aligned with ESG objectives and circular economy principles.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1B); Serious Eye Damage (Category 1); Skin Sensitization (Category 1); Acute Toxicity, Oral (Category 4); Aquatic Chronic (Category 2)

• Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

• UN Number: UN 3260

• Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

• Packing Group: III