Determination of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) steric and electronic parameters using the [(NHC)Ir(CO)2Cl] system

Abstract

Complexes of iridium bearing NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. The series [(NHQIr(cod)Cl] were obtained by simple cleavage of [Ir(cod)Cl]2. The [(NHC)Ir(COd)Cl] complexes were reacted with excess carbon monoxide, leading to [(NHC)Ir(CO) 2Cl]. The infrared carbonyl stretching frequencies of these were recorded to quantify the electronic parameter of NHC ligands. X-ray diffraction study results allow for determination of NHC steric parameters within this series. These data allow for comparison with orner ligand families. © 2008 American Chemical Society.