Ruthenium(ii) and iridium(iii) complexes featuring NHC–sulfonate chelate

Abstract

Three new complexes bearing a chelating (κ²C,O) NHC-SO₃ ligand have been prepared. An original method for the synthesis of the imidazolium–sulfonate NHC precursor is described. The 5-membered ruthena- and irida-cycle containing complexes were fully characterized and evaluated in a series of catalytic transformations involving hydrogen auto-transfer processes.