An electron-deficient Iridium(III) dihydride complex capable of intramolecular C-H activation

(Chemical Equation Presented) Double take: A remarkable electron-deficient cationic dihydride complex [Ir-(ItBu)2(H)2](PF 6) (see crystal structure), prepared in high yield from the reaction of 14-electron complex [Ir(ItBu′)2](PF6) and H 2 gas, shows a rare agostic interaction. The reaction illustrates the reversibility of a double, intramolecular C-H activation process and provides a rare example of a "proposed" intermediate. ItBu: N,N′-di(tert- butyl)imidazol-2-ylidene. © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.