Bimetallic Bis-NHC-Ir(III) Complex Bearing 2-Arylbenzo[d]oxazolyl Ligand: Synthesis, Catalysis, and Bimetallic Effects

Herein, an unprecedented bimetallic bis-NHC Cp*Ir complex 1 bearing 2-arylbenzo[d]oxazolyl and NHC ligands is reported. A significant increase in activity was observed for N-methylation of amines and reduction of aldehydes with MeOH catalyzed by 1 compared to the monometallic analogues (2–11). Under the optimal conditions, it showed to be highly effective in N-methylation of nitroarenes with MeOH as both C1 and H2 source. Substrates, including aromatic amines, ketones, and nitro compounds with various functional groups, can be well-tolerated. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculation highlight the significance of bimetallic centers cooperativity.