The interaction of the complexes [Pd(dien)(1-MeCyt)](2+) (2) and [Pd(dien)(9-EtGH)](2+) (3) with the amino acids L-tryptophan (Trp) and N-acetyltryptophan (N-AcTrp) was studied and compared with the previously studied platinum analogues [Pt(dien)(1-MeCyt)](2+) (4) and [Pt(dien)(9-EtGH)](2+) (5). Solid-state structures for 2 and 4 are reported. For the palladium complexes, the interaction is pH sensitive. Below pH 5, the noncovalent interaction with stacking between the aromatic amino acid residue and the metalated nucleobase was observed. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated similar association constants for platinum and palladium derivatives 2-5. Unusual substitution of the model nucleobases 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCyt) and 9-ethylguanine (9-EtGH) by tryptophan was observed in the range of pH 5-11. The resulting species [Pd(dien)(Trp)](+) (6) and [Pd(dien)(N-AcTrp)](+) (7) were characterized using H-1 NMR,C-13 NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopy with coordination indicated through the amino and deprotonated amido nitrogens, respectively. Complexes 6 and 7 were also obtained from a solution of [Pd(dien)Cl](+) (1) incubated with either Trp or N-AcTrp, respectively.