PGSE NMR diffusion, Overhauser and DFT studies on the salts [Pd(
3-CH
3CHCHCHPh)(dppe)](a
nion) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, a
nion = BF
4-, CF
3SO
3-, BArF
-,PF
6-) are reported. In dichloromethane solution there is little or no ion pairing for the BArFderivative, whereas the other three a
nions show intermediate degrees of ion pairing. Inchloroform solution the CF
3SO
3- and BArF
- salts show complete ion pairing. The
19F,
1HHOESY studies reveal a selective approach of the CF
3SO
3- and PF
6- a
nions with respect tothe allyl ligand. The approach brings the a
nion somewhat closer to the allyl phenyl ringthan to the allyl methyl group. Further, the a
nion approaches the Pd center from the sideof the two terminal allyl protons. The a
nions are not attracted to the allyl ligand but ratherare choosing
both an electronically (allyl phenyl vs allyl methyl) and sterically (terminalallyl protons vs central allyl proton) preferred pathway toward the P and metal atoms. Thisresult is partially rationalized via DFT calculations.