Unexpected ortho C–H bond activation in coordinated 7,8-benzoquinoline: synthesis and characterisation of heteroleptic Ir(iii)-7,8-benzoquinoline complexes

Abstract

Two iridium(III) complexes were isolated via the reaction of pyridine-2-aldoxime (Hpyrald) with 7,8-benzoquinoline (benzq)-derived iridium starting material, namely [(benzq)₂Ir(μ-Cl)₂Ir(benzq)₂] (1). Among the two complexes, [Ir^III(benzq)₂(pyrald)] (2) and [Ir^III(benzq-κN,κC¹⁰)(benzq-κC²)(Hpyrald)(Cl)] (3), the later displayed unusual ortho C–H bond activation in one of the coordinated 7,8-benzoquinoline rings. The complex (2) presented a usual structure as expected.