Detection and reactivity of Pd((C8H14)PCH2 CH2 P(C8H14))(CHPhCH2Ph)(H) as determined by parahydrogen-enhanced NMR spectroscopy.

Pd(bcope)(OTf)2 (where bcope is (C8H14)PCH2CH2P(C8H14)) is shown to react with an alkyne in the presence of parahydrogen to form alkyl hydrides, such as Pd(bcope)(CHPhCH2Ph)(H), that are detectable by NMR spectroscopy because the proton resonances of the alkyl arm appear with strongly enhanced signal strengths.