Thermolytically Induced CH Activation Using a 14‐Electron Complex: Synthesis and Molecular Structure of [IrHCI(C6H5)(PiPr3)2]

The intermolecular CH activation of benzene was achieved with complex 2, which is stable at room temperature; a “hot,” short-lived species [MLn] is not required. The hydrido(phenyl) compound 4, which is formed along with 3 as the main product of the reaction between 2 and benzene, has a trigonalbipyramidal structure. Compound 4 reacts spontaneously with H2 already at 25°C to give 3 and benzene (LPiPr3).