Anion effects to deliver enhanced iridium catalysts for hydrogen isotope exchange processes

Synthesis of a series of iridium(I) complexes of the type [(COD)-Ir(IMes)(PPh3)]X (X = BF4, OTf, and BArF) has been established. Application of these species in mild hydrogen isotope exchange processes revealed more efficient catalysis and, further, a wider solvent scope when employing larger, more weakly coordinating counterions.