Key factors in the synthesis of polycyclic iridaaromatics via the methoxyalkenylcarbene pathway

Abstract

Polycyclic iridaaromatic compounds are of great interest not only because of the contributions made in “aromatic chemistry”, but also because of the possibility of improving the results of the applications of the corresponding organic analogues in different fields. Therefore, understanding the requirements necessary to build on demand this type of compound with specific properties is of great importance. In this work, the keys to successfully synthesize iridaaromatic complexes via methoxyalkenylcarbenes are established. Experimental and theoretical results show (i) that bearing two aromatic substituents on the gamma carbon of the methoxyalkylcarbene promotes the C–H bond activation; (ii) the need for large steric hindrance of the second substituent for a selective synthesis and, (iii) the selectivity in the C–H bond activation towards the less sterically hindered system.