A series of amine–imine bidentate ligands based on a trans-2, 5-disubstituted pyrrolidine and pyridine moieties have been prepared. The use of these ligands in the palladium- catalyzed allylic alkylation reaction of rac-(E)-1, 3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate is reported. The results suggest that these ligands are good catalyst precursors for the reaction. Electronic modification on the pyridine ring of the ligands does not have a significant effect ...