What Is Palladium Chloride?
Palladium chloride, also known as palladium dichloride, is a chloride of the precious metal palladium, with the formula PdCl2. Its CAS number is 7647-10-1. Classified under the GHS as an eye irritant, and respiratory and skin sensitizer, palladium chloride has significant applications in both industrial and research contexts.
Uses of Palladium Chloride
Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, palladium chloride facilitates the creation of various palladium complexes, such as Pd(PPh3)4 and PdCl2(PPh3)2, due to the ease of desorption of its chlorine atoms. It finds use in hydrogen detection, photographic chemicals, colorants, electronic component plating, conductive paints, and conductive pastes. Additionally, it serves in surface treatments, including catalyst granules for plastic plating and palladium-tin colloidal catalyst solutions.
One notable application is in Wacker oxidation, where it acts as a catalyst for oxidizing alkenes to carbonyl compounds, showcasing its utility in industrial processes and as a catalyst in exhaust gas purification.
Properties of Palladium Chloride
Palladium chloride, a brown to dark brown powder at room temperature, has a molecular weight of 177.33, a melting point of 678°C, and a density of 4 g/mL. It is insoluble in water and ethanol but dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid. Notably stable and hygroscopic, it requires careful handling and storage.
Types of Palladium Chloride
Available as both a reagent for research and as an industrial product, palladium chloride is offered in various quantities suitable for laboratory and industrial use.
1. Reagent Products for Research and Development
For research purposes, it comes in amounts like 1g, 5g, 25g, and 100g, designed for easy laboratory handling and storage at room temperature.
2. Industrial Products
As a precious metal chemical, it is available in small quantities for industrial applications, categorized under precious metal catalysts and chemicals for surface treatment.
Other Information on Palladium Chloride
1. Synthesis of Palladium Chloride
Palladium chloride can be synthesized by dissolving palladium in aqua regia or hydrochloric acid with chlorine, or by heating palladium metal in chlorine gas.
2. Synthesis of Palladium Complexes Using Palladium Chloride
It serves as a precursor for synthesizing palladium complexes, such as PdCl2(PPh3)2 through reaction with triphenylphosphine in benzonitrile, further reacting to form Pd(PPh3)4.
3. Wacker Oxidation
In Wacker oxidation, palladium chloride catalyzes the conversion of alkenes to carbonyl compounds, with copper chloride as a co-catalyst under oxygen, illustrating its significant role in organic synthesis.