IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}]-: a versatile source of the Ir(I)(PNP) pincer platform

The iridium(II) complex [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)(2)}] is reduced by KC8 to give the anionic iridium(I) pincer complex [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)(2)}](-) which was isolated and fully characterized upon stabilization of the counter cation with crown ether as [K(15-cr-5)(2)][IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)(2)}]. This unprecedented anionic iridium(I) pincer complex completes the unusual, structurally characterized Ir-I/Ir-II/Ir-III redox series [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)(2)}](-/0/+), all in a square-planar coordination geometry, emphasizing the versatility of this PNP pincer ligand in stabilizing a broad range of oxidation states. The anionic chloro complex is a versatile source of the Ir(PNP) platform. Its reactivity was examined towards chloride ligand substitution against CO and N-2, and oxidative addition of C-electrophiles, C-H bonds and dioxygen, allowing for the isolation of iridium(I) and iridium(III) (PNP) carbonyl, hydrocarbyl and peroxo complexes which were spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized.