An Electron‐Deficient CpE Iridium(III) Catalyst: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application to Ether‐Directed C−H Amidation

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AbstractThe synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of an iridium(III) catalyst with an electron‐deficient cyclopentadienyl ligand ([CpEIrI2]2) are reported. The [CpEIrI2]2 catalyst was synthesized by complexation of a precursor of the CpE ligand with [Ir(cod)OAc]2, followed by oxidation, desilylation, and removal of the COD ligand. The electron‐deficient [CpEIrI2]2 catalyst enabled C−H amidation reactions assisted by a weakly coordinating ether directing group. Experimental mechanistic studies and DFT calculations suggested that the high catalytic performance of [CpEIrI2]2 is due to its electron‐deficient nature, which accelerates both C−H activation and IrV‐nitrenoid formation.