Sequential C−H Activation and Dinuclear Insertion of Ethylene Promoted by a Diiridium Complex

Abstract
Two ethylene molecules, bonded to different metal atoms of a diiridium(I) complex, can be converted into a bridging 3-butenyl-1-yl ligand and a terminal hydride. Such transformation is initiated by an ethylene C−H activation step and followed by an insertion of the second ethylene into a bridging vinyl ligand. This result illustrates the potentiality of diiridium(I) complexes to promote and support reaction sequences of alkene functionalization through C−H activation.