Reactivity of [Ir(COE)2(solvent)2]PF6 complexes toward alkylphosphines:: Room-temperature C-H activation (cyclometalation) and isolation of a 14-electron alkyl-iridium(III) complex

Isolated, cationic bis(cyclooctene)-lr(I) complexes stabilized by acetonitrile or acetone solvent molecules were obtained and reacted with simple alkylphosphines, leading to selective displacement of the cyclooctene ligand. With the bulky (Bu3P)-Bu-t, facile intramolecular C-H activation is observed, giving cyclometalated, solvent-stabilized bis(phosphine)-Ir(III) species and leading to the isolation of the first 14-electron alkyl-Ir(III) complex.