First Cp*-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene and its coordination to iridium. study of the catalytic properties

A new pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (Cp*-NHCMe) has been prepared and coordinated to iridium upon reaction with [Ir(mu-Cl)(cod)](2). The chiral Ir complex is obtained as a racemic Mixture of the two possible enantiomers, and its crystal structure is described. The new compound shows high catalytic activity toward transfer hydrogenation, beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols, and amination of primary alcohols.