Addition of [(η5-C5Me5)IrH4] to a zwitterionic silylene: stepwise formation of iridium(V)-silyl and iridium(III)-silylene complexes

The first zwitterionic silyl-iridium(V) complex 3 is generated by insertion of silylene 1 into an iridium-hydrogen bond of the iridium(V) hydride 2, [eta(5)-C5Me5)IrH4]. Complex 3 undergoes proton migration from an IrH moiety to the terminal CH2 group of the silyl ligand to furnish the N-donor stabilised Ir(III)-silylene complex 5.