Cp*Ir(NHC) complexes as highly versatile and efficient catalysts for the cross-coupling of alcohols and amines

摘要

A comparative study on the catalytic activity of a series of Cp*Ir(NHC)Cl2complexes in several C-O and C-N coupling processes implying hydrogen-borrowingmechanisms has been performed. The compound Cp*Ir(InBu)Cl2 (InBu = 1,3-di-n-butylimidazolylidene) showed to be highly effective in the cross coupling reactions ofamines and alcohols, providing high yields in the production of unsymmetrical ethersand N-alkylated amines. A remarkable feature is that the processes were carried out inthe absence of base, phosphine or any other external additive. A comparative study withother well known catalysts, such as Shvo’s catalyst, is also reported