A kinetic resolution strategy for the synthesis of chiral octahedral NHC–iridium(<scp>iii</scp>) catalysts

Abstract

The transmetalation reaction of a chiral-bidentate NHC-silver complex to racemic [Ir(μ-Cl)(ppy)₂]₂ operates with kinetic resolution leading to chiral octahedral NHC-iridium(iii) complexes and enantio-enriched bis-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes. The iridium(iii) complexes demonstrated efficient catalytic activities in intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions and in asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylations, respectively.