Preparation, Properties, and Structures of [IrCl(diphosphine)]2 (diphosphine = (<i>R</i>)-BINAP and BPBP)

Abstract

Abstract [IrCl(diphosphine)]2 {diphosphine = BINAP (1a) and BPBP (1b)} were obtained as extremely air- and moisture-sensitive crystals. The structure of 1a has been determined by X-ray analysis. Complex 1a reacted easily with two equivalents of triphenylphosphine to give IrCl(binap)(PPh3) 2a quantitatively. Complexes 1a and 1b can activate RO–H groups easily and catalyze transfer hydrogenation of alkynes in methanol. On the contrary 2a does not react with methanol even at 55 °C.