N–Hvis. C–H activation; a major ligand size effect
Abstract
The complexes trans-[Ir(PR3)2(C2H4)]Cl (3, R = Et; 4, R = Pri) exhibit entirely different reactivity pathways with ammonia, whereas 3 undergoes N–H oxidative addition, 4 coordinates ammonia and undergoes C–H activation of the ethylene ligand at 25 °C to yield an hydrido vinyl complex, and phosphine metallation at 80 °C.