Cationic iridium-BINAP complex-catalyzed addition of aryl ketones to alkynes and alkenes via directed C-H bond cleavage

Cationic Ir complex ([Ir(cod)(2)]BF4 + BINAP) catalyzed the addition of ortho-C-H bonds in aryl ketones to alkynes, which gave alkenylated products in good to high yield. Styrene derivatives were good substrates, and the enantioselective addition to norbornene was also described. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.