Imine-functionalised protic NHC complexes of Ir: direct formation by C–H activation†
Abstract
N-Arylimine-functionalised protic NHC (pNHC) Ir(I) and Ir(III) complexes are obtained directly from neutral or cationic Ir(I) imidazole complexes using excess [Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)]2 or TlPF6, respectively. N-Arylimine-functionalised imidazolium salts lead to imidazole or pNHC complexes by competing N–H or C–H bond activation depending on the type of imidazolium counterion.