An Agostic Iridium Pincer Complex as a Highly Efficient and Selective Catalyst for Monoisomerization of 1‐Alkenes to <i>trans</i>‐2‐Alkenes

Abstract

A unique Ir complex (^tBu NC^C P)Ir with the pyridine-phosphine pincer as the sole ligand, featuring a dual agostic interaction between the Ir and two σ C-H bonds from a tBu substituent, has been prepared. This complex exhibits exceptionally high activity and excellent regio- and stereoselectivity for monoisomerization of 1-alkenes to trans-2-alkenes with wide functional-group tolerance. Reactions can be performed in neat reactant on a more than 100 gram scale using 0.005 mol % catalyst loadings with turnover numbers up to 19000.