Synthesis, characterization, and structure determination of Cp*Ir(dpms)Cl

Abstract

Bipyridyl ligands are commonplace in catalysis. Structurally similar to this ligand class with unique properties is the novel di-(2-pyridyl)methanesulfonate (dpms) ligand, which is prepared and reacted with [Cp*IrCl2]2 to afford Cp*Ir(dpms)Cl (1) in high yield. Its single-crystal X-ray structure indicates an exo–(κ2) conformation of the ligand, with the sulfonate group directed away from the iridium center. Halogen exchange by treatment of 1 with NaI gives the iodide derivative, Cp*Ir(dpms)I (2). Abstraction of the halogen from 1 using AgPF6 generates [Cp*Ir(dpms)]PF6 (3), which was not found to activate the CH bonds of benzene.