It has a trimeric structure, consisting of an equilateral triangle of Pd atoms each pair of which is bridged with two acetate groups in a butterfly conformation.

An excess of palladium sponge metal or nitrogen gas flow are required to prevent contamination by the mixed nitrito-acetate (Pd3(OAc)5NO2).

This ligand exchange starting with a purified other carboxylate is an alternative way to synthesize palladium(II) acetate free from the nitro contaminant.

[8] Palladium(II) acetate is prone to reduction to Pd(0) in the presence of reagents which can undergo beta-hydride elimination such as primary and secondary alcohols as well as amines.

[3] Palladium acetate is a catalyst for many organic reactions, especially alkenes, dienes, and alkyl, aryl, and vinyl halides to form reactive adducts.