First Cp*-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbene and Its Coordination to Iridium. Study of the Catalytic Properties

A new pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (Cp*-NHCMe) has been prepared and coordinated to iridium upon reaction with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)]2. The chiral Ir complex is obtained as a racemic mixture of the two possible enantiomers, and its crystal structure is described. The new compound shows high catalytic activity toward transfer hydrogenation, β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols, and amination of primary alcohols.