Chemistry of complexes bearing protic N-heterocyclic carbene (PNHC) ligands has been explored but to a less extent than the typical NHC ligands. PNHC ligands have an NH-wingtip that can act as a hydrogen bond donor, providing a potential metal-ligand bifunctional cooperativity due to its proximity to the metal center. The number of publications about this complexes has been increasing recently. However, the knowledge about their reactivity is relatively scarce. Here we report successful formation of an Iridium(III) complex (1) bearing bis-PNHC ligand by direct metalation. Complex 1 was converted to the chloride analog (2). Counterion exchange lead to a more soluble complex (3). Complexes 2 and 3 formed the triflate analog in the presence of acetonitrile (4). Crystal structures, reactivity and catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation of ketones and alkene-ketones of the complexes will be discussed.

Reactivity of bis-protic N-heterocyclic carbene (bis-PNHC) complexes of iridium(III)

251st National Meeting (2016)

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