Direct observation of a dissociative mechanism for C-H activation by a cationic iridium(III) complex

Abstract

An unexpected dissociative mechanism was found for the alkane activation reaction by cation 1 in the gas phase. The reactivity of 1 was studied by electrospray ionization of dilute solutions of [1(N≡CCH3)]+ ClO4/-. The reaction proceeds via the reactive cyclic Ir(III) complex 2, which then adds to the C-H bonds of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons to form 3.