A kinetic resolution strategy for the synthesis of chiral octahedral NHC–iridium(iii) catalysts

Abstract

The transmetalation reaction of a chiral-bidentate NHC–silver complex to racemic [Ir(μ-Cl)(ppy)₂]₂ operates with kinetic resolution leading to chiral octahedral NHC–iridium(III) complexes and enantio-enriched bis-cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes. The iridium(III) complexes demonstrated efficient catalytic activities in intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions and in asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylations, respectively.