An Agostic Iridium Pincer Complex as a Highly Efficient and Selective Catalyst for Monoisomerization of 1‐Alkenes to trans‐2‐Alkenes

Abstract

AbstractA unique Ir complex (tBuNCCP)Ir with the pyridine–phosphine pincer as the sole ligand, featuring a dual agostic interaction between the Ir and two σ C−H bonds from a tBu substituent, has been prepared. This complex exhibits exceptionally high activity and excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivity for monoisomerization of 1‐alkenes to trans‐2‐alkenes with wide functional‐group tolerance. Reactions can be performed in neat reactant on a more than 100 gram scale using 0.005 mol % catalyst loadings with turnover numbers up to 19000.