A redox-switchable catalyst with an 'unplugged' redox tag

Two bis-(propyl-imidazolium)-napthalenediimide (NDI) salts were prepared and used as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors for the preparation of dimetallic complexes of rhodium and iridium. Infrared spectroelectrochemical studies indicate that the metals are sensitive to changes in the electronic state of the NDI moiety. The catalytic behavior of the rhodium and iridium complexes was tested in the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids, where the complexes showed effective redox-switching properties.

Automated summary

Two bis-(propyl-imidazolium)-napthalenediimide (NDI) salts were prepared and used as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors to prepare dimetallic complexes of rhodium and iridium. Infrared spectroelectrochemical studies suggest that the metals are responsive to changes in the electronic state of the NDI moiety. Catalytic testing in the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids showed that the rhodium and iridium complexes possess effective redox-switching properties.