Preparation and reactivity of trans-Ir(CH 2CN)(CO)(PPh 3) 2

Abstract

The preparation and characterization of the complex trans-Ir(σ-CH 2CN)(CO)-(PPh 3) 2 are described. Like the isoelectronic and isostructural Vaska's complex, this iridium(I) derivative undergoes reactions with many simple molecules (CO, O 2HCLO 4, CH 3I and H 2) and is the precursor of a variety of novel iridium compounds whose stereochemistry has been assigned by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Notably, the reaction with CH 3I affords an unusually stable iridium(III) complex containing two metalcarbon σ bonds, while the cis-addition of hydrogen appears to follow a stereochemical pathway leading uniquely to the formation of a rare dihydrido derivative having the phosphine ligands cis to each other and trans to H.