Aspects of catalysis. Part IV. Hydrogen transfer from propan-2-ol to αβ-unsaturated ketones catalysed by a soluble hydridoiridium complex. Isolation of a compound containing a carbon–iridium bond and a chelated keto-group

Abstract

Double bonds in some αβ-unsaturated ketones are reduced by propan-2-ol in the presence of soluble iridium–sulphoxide catalysts. Chalcone gives (2-benzoyl-1-phenylethyl-O)dichlorobis(dimethyl sulphoxide)iridium as a crystalline intermediate, which is converted into dihydrochalcone on treatment with acids.