Everybody knows that Pd(0) is widely used for the formation of C–C, C–O and C–N bonds. However, the use of palladium(II) is less known, even though many Pd(II)-complex-catalyzed reactions starting from non-functionalized, cheap substrates are available. Therefore, we have selected as review of this month “C–C, C–O, C–N Bond Formation on sp2 Carbon by Pd(II)-Catalyzed Reactions Involving Oxidant Agents” by Beccalli et al. (Chem. Rev. 2007; 107(11) pp 5318–5365). This review covers a full range of Pd(II) couplings and will serve as a reminder that very interesting and useful transformations, specially those involving heterocyclic systems, are possible using the humble and faithful Pd(OAc)2.


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