Oxyfunctionalization with CpIrIII(NHC)(Me)L Complexes

A series of monomethyl Cp*IrIII complexes were synthesized and studied for the formation of methanol in water. Methanol yields of 75(4)% in the presence of O2 were obtained. From isotope labeling studies, it was determined that O2 is the source of the oxygen atom in the product. From kinetic studies, oxyfunctionalization appears to proceed by dissociation of an L-type ligand followed by O2 binding and insertion.