Extraction of Hydrogen from Alcohols by a Methylene-Bridged Iridium(I) Dinuclear Complex Having a Short Ir−Ir Double Bond

Reduction of [Cp*2Ir2(μ-CH2)2Cl2] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with Na in benzene leads to the formation of a methylene-bridged iridium(I) dinuclear complex with a considerably short Ir−Ir double bond (2.4375(2) Å), [Cp*2Ir2(μ-CH2)2], which reacts with alcohols (RCH2OH, R = H, Me, Et, Ph) to afford a unique cis-dihydride complex and the respective aldehyde (RCHO).