Transition metal–carbon bonds. Part XXII. The hydrogen chloride catalysed isomerization of σ-2-methylallyl- to σ-2-methylprop-1-enyl-iridium(III) complexes

Abstract

σ-2-Methylallyliridium(III) complexes of the type [IrX₂(CH₂:CMe·CH₂)(CO)L₂](X = Cl or Br, L = PMe₂Ph or AsMe₂Ph) are isomerized to the corresponding σ-2-methylprop-1-enyl complexes in the presence of dry hydrogen chloride. The σ-allyl complex, [IrCl₂(allyl)(CO)(PMe₂Ph)₂] adds on hydrogen chloride to give the 2-chloropropyl-iridium complex, [IrCl₂(C₃H₆Cl)(CO)(PMe₂Ph)₂], which with triethylamine reverts to the σ-allyl complex. I.r. and n.m.r. data are given and discussed.