Photoactivation of alkanes by carbonyl(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)dihydridoiridium: solution and matrix isolation studies

Abstract

Photoactivation of neopentane at 298 K and CH4 in a matrix at 12 K by [Ir(η5-C5H5)(CO)(H)2] proceeds with overall H2 loss and intermediates are detected in gas matrices at 12 K; H/D scrambling observed during neopentane activation at 298 K by [Ir(η5-C5H5)(CO)(D)2] is incompatible with initial D2 loss as the exclusive pathway.