Cation-Switchable Iridium Catalysis: Extensions to Alkene Hydrogenation and Electrochemical Lithium Recycling

Catalysis is a fundamental tool used in the synthesis of important molecules across industry and academia. Cation-controlled catalysis offers the ability to modulate the rate of reactivity of catalytic reactions with the addition of simple alkali metal salts. This work establishes the mechanism of cation-switchable reactivity as a "substrate gating" effect rather than an electrostatic phenomenon. Additionally, methods to recycle lithium cations for repeated use in catalysis are investigated utilizing a redox-active organic battery material.