Cp*Ir complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands as effective catalysts for Oppenauer-type oxidation of alcohols

The catalytic activity of Cp*Ir complexes in the Oppenauer-type oxidation of alcohols was considerably enhanced by introduction of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. High turnover numbers (up to 950) were achieved in the oxidation of secondary alcohols.