A comprehensive
density functional theory analysis is reported
for the one-pot bis-alkoxycarbonylation reaction of olefins to form
succinic acid esters by action of the catalyst (N-N)Pd(TFA)2 (N-N = bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene,
TFA– = CF3CO2
–). The selective and efficient process involves alkene (H2C=CHR), CO, methanol, and p-benzoquinone (BQ) molecules as reactants. The catalytic
mechanism, previously proposed on the basis of available experimental
and literature data, is critically revised here. A plethora of optimized
intermediates and transition states and their correlating energy profiles
allow a step by step reconstruction of the entire cycle, highlighting
key mechanistic aspects, such as the role of the R substituent in
the olefin. One of its effects is determined by the presence of a
2e
– donor group, which, depending
on its power, may affect the catalysis up to its total inhibition.
As another aspect, the key diester product forms through a reductive
elimination step (Pd(II) → Pd(0) transformation) that excludes
the previously proposed attainment of a Pd(II)–hydride complex.
Finally, the paper illustrates the action of the sacrificial BQ oxidant
in the restoration of the original Pd(II) catalyst, as found for other
strictly related cases. The energy profile indicates that the rate-determining
step occurs in the initial part of the reaction, given a +29.6 kcal
mol–1 energy barrier, associated with a methoxo
migration into an adjacent CO ligand. The result foreshadows a rather
slow activation of the catalyst and a long duration of the cycle.