[IrCl2Cp*(NHC)] Complexes as Highly Versatile Efficient Catalysts for the Cross-Coupling of Alcohols and Amines

A comparative study on the catalytic activity of a series of [IrCl2Cp*(NHC)] complexes in several C-O and C-N coupling processes implying hydrogen-borrowing mechanisms has been performed. The compound [IrCl2Cp*(I-nBu)] (Cp*=pentamethyl cyclopentadiene, I-nBu = 1,3-di-n-butylimidazolylidene) showed to be highly effective in the cross-coupling reactions of amines and alcohols, providing high yields in the production of unsymmetrical ethers and N-alkylated amines. A remarkable feature is that the processes were carried out in the absence of base, phosphine. or any other external additive. A comparative study with Other known catalysts, such as Shvo's catalyst, is also reported.