Alkane Dehydrogenation by C–H Activation at Iridium(III)

Abstract

Stoichiometric alkane dehydrogenation utilizing an Ir^III pincer complex, (^<i>dm</i>Phebox)­Ir­(OAc)₂(OH₂) (<b>1a</b>), has been described. The reaction between <b>1a</b> and octane resulted in quantitative formation of (^<i>dm</i>Phebox)­Ir­(OAc)­(H) (<b>3a</b>) and octene. At early reaction times 1-octene is the major product, indicative of terminal C–H activation by <b>1a</b>. In contrast to prior reports of alkane dehydrogenation with Ir, C–H bond activation occurs at Ir^III and the dehydrogenation is not inhibited by nitrogen, olefin, or water