Reversible alkoxycarbene formation by C–H activation of ethers via discrete, isolable intermediates†
Abstract
A cationic iridium complex bearing a pendant ether ligand is shown to be in equilibrium with the corresponding dihydridoalkoxycarbene resulting from two consecutive C–H activations. Control of the conditions allows for the crystallographic characterization of all three complexes involved in the interconversion of ether and alkoxycarbene functionalities via sequential oxidative addition and α elimination.