Well-ordered surface metal atoms complexation by deposition of Pd cyclometallated compounds on Ag (1 1 0)

•First time deposition of a Pd-cyclometallated compound on metal surfaces.•Atomistic details of the reaction process are described by experimental and theoretical methods.•Active role of the metal substrate in promoting the chemistry of the Pd cyclometallates.•Formation of a well-ordered metal-carbon network and Pd-Ag atoms exchange are reported.