Iridium PC(sp3)P Pincer Complexes with Hemilabile Pendant Arms: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity

A series of new PC(sp(3))P pincer ligands possessing hemilabile alkoxyl side arms as well as their iridium complexes are reported. All new organometallic compounds were structurally characterized including X-ray analysis. The hemilability of the side arms was probed by reactions with CO, revealing the reversible coordination. The catalytic activity of the new complexes was tested by iridium-catalyzed transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes under mild conditions.