Synthesis, crystal structure, and intrinsic reactivity descriptors of coordination complexes of [(cis-PdCl2·L-proline) L-proline] and [trans-PdCl2·(glycine-OMe)2]

•The conformational restriction of the PdCl2-Proline chelate generates a new stereocenter.•The hydrogen bonding network of the complexes allows the formation of the β-sheets.•The surface morphology analysis by SEM showed the qualities of an excellent catalyst.•DFT study of reactivity descriptors details complexes with good stability.•The dual descriptor describes the NH2 and Pd groups as highly reactive sites.