Imidazolium salts with aromatic groups 1,3-bis(9-anthracenylmethyl)imidazolium chloride ([Bamim]Cl), 1,3-bis(1-naphthalenylmethyl)imidazolium chloride ([Bnmim]Cl) and 1,3-bis( benzylmethyl)imidazolium chloride ([Bbmim]Cl) were reacted with PdCl2 forming the analogous tetrachloropalladate salts. These palladium-containing salts were evaluated as pre-catalysts in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions in ionic liquids generally resulting in high conversions. The formation of palladium nanoparticles is observed and their role in the overall catalytic mechanism is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.