Reactivity of [Ir(COE) ₂ (solvent) ₂ ]PF ₆ Complexes toward Alkylphosphines:  Room-Temperature C−H Activation (Cyclometalation) and Isolation of a 14-Electron Alkyl−Iridium(III) Complex

Isolated, cationic bis(cyclooctene)−Ir(I) complexes stabilized by acetonitrile or acetone solvent molecules were obtained and reacted with simple alkylphosphines, leading to selective displacement of the cyclooctene ligand. With the bulky t Bu 3 P, facile intramolecular C−H activation is observed, giving cyclometalated, solvent-stabilized bis(phosphine)−Ir(III) species and leading to the isolation of the first 14-electron alkyl−Ir(III) complex.