Mechanistic studies on the addition of hydrogen to iridaepoxide complexes with subsequent elimination of water

Iridium complexes of the PC(sp(2))P ligand in which the donors are linked by 2,3-benzo[b]thiophene groups engage in the cooperative activation of N(2)O and the resulting iridaepoxides can be treated with dihydrogen to effect elimination of water and regeneration of the starting iridium complex. The mechanism of the steps in this reaction have been investigated using low temperature NMR investigations that reveal H/D exchange processes that point to a highly reactive kinetic product of hydrogen addition to the iridaepoxide. This intermediate is also involved in the water elimination pathway, and model compounds have been synthesized to provide further evidence for the mechanistic proposals for water elimination. The adaptable donor properties of the PC(sp(2))P ligand framework, particularly the anchoring carbene donor, plays a significant role in the ability of these compounds to mediate the transformation of N(2)O in this way.