Catalytic Alkane Dehydrogenation by IrClH2(PPri3)2: Evidence for an Alkane Associative Mechanism

IrCIH 2 (PPr i 3 ) 2 catalyzes the dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes in the presence of the hydrogen acceptor, tert -butylethylene at 150 °C. Mechanistic studies, including labeling experiments with IrClD 2 (PPr i 3 ) 2, indicate that reversible coordination and hydride migration to tert -butylethylene is facile and that the slower, subsequent elimination of tert -butylethane requires prior coordination of alkane.