Surface-Mediated Organometallic Synthesis: High-Yield Syntheses of [Ir4(CO)12], [Ir6(CO)15]2−, and [Ir8(CO)22]2− by Controlled Reduction of Silica-Supported IrCl3 or [Ir(cyclooctene)2(μ-Cl)]2 in the Presence of Na2CO3 or K2CO3

The controlled reductive carbonylation under 1 atm. of CO of [Ir(cyclooctene)₂(μ-Cl)]₂, supported on a silica surface added with an alkali carbonate such as Na₂CO₃ or K₂CO₃, can be directed toward the formation of [Ir₄(CO)₁₂], K₂[Ir₆(CO)₁₅] or K₂[Ir₈(CO)₂₂] by controlling (i) the nature and amount of alkali carbonate, (ii) the amount of surface water, and (iii) the temperature. [Ir₄(CO)₁₂] can also be prepared by direct controlled reductive carbonylation of IrCl₃ supported on silica in the presence of well controlled amounts of Na₂CO₃. These efficient silica-mediated syntheses are comparable to conventional synthetic methods carried out in solution or on the MgO surface. Like in strongly basic solution or on the MgO surface, the initially formed [Ir₄(CO)₁₂], the first step of nucleation which does not require a strong basicity of the silica surface, gives in a second time sequentially [Ir₈(CO)₂₂]^2? and [Ir₆(CO)₁₅]^2? according to reaction conditions and basicity of the silica surface.