C-H activation of arenes and heteroarenes by early transition metallaborane, [(Cp*Ta)2B5H11] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5)

C-H activation of arenes and heteroarenes has been achieved by a hydrogen rich tantalaborane cluster [(Cp*Ta)(2)B(5)H(11)] that leads to the formation of C-H functionalized products. Furthermore, we examined the reaction of substituted thiophene and pyrrole derivatives with tantalaborane which provided a convenient and efficient route to regio-defined C-H functionalized heteroarenes.     

Combined experimental and theoretical investigation into C-H activation of cyclic alkanes by Cp'Rh(CO)2 (Cp' = η5-C5H5 or η5-C5Me5)

Fast time-resolved infrared spectroscopic measurements have allowed precise determination of the rate of C-H activation of alkanes by Cp'Rh(CO) {Cp' = η(5)-C(5)H(5) or η(5)-C(5)Me(5); alkane = cyclopentane, cyclohexane and neopentane (Cp only)} in solution at room temperature and allowed the determination of how the change in rate of oxidative cleavage varies between complexes and alkanes. Density functional theory calculations on these complexes, transition states, and intermediates provide insight into the mechanism and barriers observed in the experimental results. Unlike our previous study of the linear alkanes, where activation occurred at the primary C-H bonds with a rate governed by a balance between these activations and hopping along the chain, the rate of C-H activation in cyclic alkanes is controlled mainly by the strength of the alkane binding. Although the reaction of CpRh(CO)(neopentane) to form CpRh(CO)(neopentyl)H clearly occurs at a primary C-H bond, the rate is much slower than the corresponding reactions with cyclic alkanes because of steric factors with this bulky alkane.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of nickel(Ⅱ) and zinc(Ⅱ) complexes with 2,4-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-6-methoxyl-1,3,5-triazine

2,4-Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-6-methoxyl-1,3,5-triazine(bpt) has been synthesized by using a new, simple and general method with high yields. Reactions of bpt with Ni(CIO4)2 · 6H2O and Zn(CIO4)2 · 6H2O in methanol gave mononuclear complex [Ni(bpt)2] · (CIO4)2 · H2O and ternary complex [Zn(mpt)2(dmp)](CIO4)2 respectively, where mpt (2,4-dimethoxy-6-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine) and dmp(3,5-dimethylpyrazole) are the alcoholysis products of bpt in the presence of Zn2+ ion. A possible mechanism for this catalytic reaction was proposed. X-ray crystal structure for ligand bpt, Ni and Zn complexes are reported. The protonated form of the ligand bpt crystallizes as its perchlorate salt including one molecule of water, [Hbpt · H2O · CIO4]. The proton is located on one pyrazole N-atom. [Hbpt ?H2O ?CIO4], in which [Hbpt]+ is in cis-cis conformation, are packed in slipped stacks of approximately parallel layers. The π-π overlap interactions between the non-protonized pyrazoles of the adjace     

sp2 C-H activation of dimethyl fumarate by a [(Cp*Co)2-μ-(η4 : η4-toluene)] complex

The well-defined oxidative addition of the vinylic sp(2) C-H bond of dimethyl fumarate is mediated by the cobalt triple decker complex [(Cp*Co)(2)-μ-(η(4) : η(4)-toluene)] (1) at ambient temperature, affording the dinuclear, bridging cobalt hydride, fumaryl compound (2). The C-H activation product has been characterized by mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Computational studies of 2 support asymmetric bonding interactions between the two metal centres and the bridging hydride/fumaryl fragments. Monitoring the reaction of dimethyl fumarate with 1 by (1)H NMR spectroscopy allows observation of intermediate [Cp*Co(MeO(2)CCH=CHCO(2)Me)](n) (n = 1 or 2) (3). Addition of 4 equivalents of dimethyl fumarate to 1 results in rapid formation of the bis(ligand) adduct Cp*Co(η(2)-MeO(2)CCH=CHCO(2)Me)(2) (5). Reversibility of the C-H activation was probed by reaction of additional dimethyl fumarate with 2, suggesting ligand induced reductive elimination is possible under ambient conditions. Reaction between 2 and strong σ or π ligands, such as PMe(3) or CO, affords the corresponding Cp*Co(η(2)-MeO(2)CCH=CHCO(2)Me)(L) (L = PMe(3) (7); L = CO (8)) complexes when heated, demonstrating the ability of 2 to undergo two electron redox processes. Further evidence for reversible C-H activation is provided by the isomerization of dimethyl maleate to the corresponding fumarate using 2, suggesting the complex can serve as a source of Co(I) under the appropriate catalytic conditions.     

Synthesis, NMR and quantum chemical studies of the [Cp3Rh3Se2]2+ clusters (Cp = η5-C5Me5, η5-C5Me4Et, η5-C5H3 t Bu2)

Reactions of [CpRhCl₂]₂ (Cp = η⁵-C₅Me₅ (Cp*), η⁵-C₅Me₄Et (Cp′), η⁵-C₅H₃ ^t Bu₂(Cp″)) with in situ generated H₂Se give triangular [Cp₃Rh₃Se₂]²⁺ clusters. These clusters were isolated as PF₆ salts and characterized with ESI-MS, ⁷⁷Se, ¹H NMR and DFT calculations. [Cp₃Rh₃Se₂] undergoes two reversible two-electron reduction steps. Quantum-chemical calculations reveal non-trivial bonding situation in the cluster core and changes in the hapticity of the Cp* ligand upon reduction. Crystal structure of [Cp ₃ ^* Rh₃Se₂][Re₂(μ-Cl)₃(CO)₆]Cl · 3.3H₂O has been determined.     

Cp*Co(III) catalyzed annulation of N-Cbz hydrazones for the redox-neutral synthesis of isoquinolines via C–H/N–N bond activation

Abstract

A new cascade oxidative cyclization reaction of N-Cbz hydrazones with internal alkynes has been explored for the preparation of isoquinoline derivatives using Cp*Co^III-catalyst through C–H and N–N bond functionalization. N-Cbz hydrazones are rarely explored as directing group for redox-neutral [4?+?2] cyclization reaction through the cyclometallation and this catalyst system does not require any external oxidizing agent, as well as, silver or antimony salt. The current efficient approach has been utilized for the synthesis of different isoquinoline derivatives with good regioselectivity and yields.     

Direct synthesis of benzoxazinones via Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C–H activation and annulation of sulfoxonium ylides with dioxazolones

A highly novel and direct synthesis of benzoxazinones was developed via Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C–H activation and [3 + 3] annulation between sulfoxonium ylides and dioxazolones. The reaction is conducted under base-free conditions and tolerates various functional groups. Starting from diverse readily available sulfoxonium ylides and dioxazolones, a variety of benzoxazinones could be synthesized in one step in 32%-75% yields.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Ni(bdpm)2(OAc)]2(N3)2·5H2O (bdpm = Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane, OAc = CH3COO-)

A Ni(Ⅱ) complex [Ni(bdpm)2(OAc)]2(N3)2·5H2O (bdpm = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-methane) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 18.630(2), b =16.6624(19), c = 19.821(2) (A), β = 90.146(2)°, V = 6152.9(12) (A)3, Z = 4, C48H8oN22Ni2O9, Mr =1226.76, Dc = 1.324 g/cm3, F(000) = 2600 andμ = 0.680 mm-1. The structure was refined to the final R = 0.0578 and wR = 0.1337 for 10848 independent reflections (Rint = 0.0311) and 6915 observed reflections (I ＞ 2σ(Ⅰ)). The complex contains two asymmetric molecules in the cell with small difference in bond distances and bond angles. Each Ni(Ⅱ) ion is bound by four nitrogen atoms of two chelating bdpm groups in a six-membered boat conformation and two oxygen atoms from one chelating bidentate acetate group to form a distorted octahedral geometry. The complex also contains azide anion outside acting as counteranion and two crystalline water molecules to link two discrete mononuclear cations though hydrogen bonds.     

DFT studies of the methyl exchange reaction between Cp2M-CH3 or Cp*2M-CH3 (Cp = C5H5, Cp* = C5Me5, M = Y, Sc, Ln) and CH4. Does M ionic radius control the reaction?

The activation energies for the methyl exchange reactions between Cp2M-CH3 and H-CH3 have been calculated for M = Sc, Y and representative metals of the lanthanide family (La, Ce, Sm, Ho, Yb and Lu) with DFT(B3PW91) calculations with large-core pseudopotentials for M. The sigma-bond metathesis reactions are calculated to have lower activation energies for early lanthanides than for late lanthanides and any of group 3 metals. The relative activation barriers are analyzed using the NBO charge distributions in the reactant and in the transition states. It is shown that the methane needs to be polarized in the transition state as H((+delta))-CH3((-delta)) by the reactant, because this sigma-bond metathesis is best viewed as heterolytic cleavage of methane, leading to a proton transfer between two methyl groups in the field of an electropositive M metal. Early lanthanides, which are involved in strongly ionic metal-ligands bonds are thus associated with the lowest activation energies. The ionic radius and the steric effects influence the relative rates of reaction for the complexes of Sc, Y and Lu. In agreement with earlier works of Sherer et al., the experimental reactivity trends found by Tilley are reproduced best with Cp*2M-CH3 (Cp* = C5Me5) rather than Cp2M-CH3 (Cp = C5H5) because the steric bulk of C5Me5 deactivates most the complex where the metal has the smallest ionic radius (Sc). While the steric effects and the influence of the metal ionic radius cannot be neglected, these factors are not the only ones involved in determining the activation barriers of the sigma-bond metathesis reaction.     

Reactivity of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a β-aminohydrazone ligand with pyridine-2-aldehyde: macrocyclization vs unprecedented pyrazole ring synthesis via C-C bond-forming reaction

The synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear nickel(II) complex [Ni(L(2))](ClO(4))(2) (1) and an analogous mononuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(L(2))](ClO(4))(2) (2) of a 15-membered azamacrocycle (L(2) = 3-(2-pyridyl)-6,8,8,13,13,15-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,9,12-hexaazacyclopentadeca-5,15-diene) are reported. The macrocyclic ligand is formed during the reaction of 4,4,9,9-tetramethyl-5,8-diazadodecane-2,11-dione dihydrazone (L(1)) with pyridine-2-aldehyde (PyCHO) templated by metal ions. The X-ray crystal structure of 1 exhibits a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry, where the metal ion sits in the macrocyclic cavity and the pendant pyridine group of L(2) occupies the axial position. While 1 is stable in the presence of an excess of PyCHO, 2 reacts further with copper(II) salt and PyCHO to form a mononuclear copper(I) complex, [Cu(H(2)L(3))](ClO(4))(3) (3). The structure of the complex cation of 3 reveals a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry at the copper center with a pseudo 2-fold screw axis. A two-dimensional (2D) polymeric copper(II) complex, {[Cu(2)(L(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (4) is obtained by reacting complex 2 (or [Ni(L(1))](ClO(4))(2)) with copper(II) perchlorate and pyridine-2-aldehyde in a methanol-water solvent mixture. Complex 4 is also obtained by treating 3 with copper(II) perchlorate and pyridine-2-aldehyde in the presence of a base. The X-ray structural analysis of 4 confirms the formation of a pyrazolate bridged dimeric copper(II) complex. The extended structure in the solid state of 4 revealed the formation of a 2D coordination polymer with the dimeric core as the repeating unit. The ligand (HL(4)) in 4 is a 3,4,5-trisubstituted pyrazole ring formed in situ via C-C bond formation and represents an unprecedented transformation reaction.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Ni(bdpm)_2(OAc)]_2(N_3)_2·5H_2O(bdpm=Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane,OAc=CH_3COO~-)

1 INTRODUCTION Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane has been one of the po- pular polydentate nitrogen donor ligands due to its strong chelating coordination to transition metal ions as capping ligand. Coordination behavior of the li- gand is able to yield stable M-N-N-C-N-N six-mem- bered boat conformation[1, 2]. The complexes con- taining bdpm ligand have been widely synthesized and characterized in recent years, and exhibit the striking properties in catalysis, magnetism and so on[3-10]. For exa…     

Facile bismuth-oxygen bond cleavage, C-H activation, and formation of a monodentate carbon-bound oxyaryl dianion, (C₆H₂(t)Bu₂-3,5-O-4)²⁻

The Bi(3+) (N,C,N)-pincer complex Ar'BiCl(2) (1) [Ar' = 2,6-(Me(2)NCH(2))(2)C(6)H(3)], reacts with 2 equiv of KOC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6 and KOC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6 by ionic metathesis to form the anticipated bis(aryloxide) complexes Ar'Bi(OC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(2) (2) and Ar'Bi(OC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(2) (3), respectively. However, the analogous reaction with 2 equiv of KOC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6 forms HOC(6)H(3)(t)Bu(2)-2,6 and a dark-orange complex containing only one aryloxide-derived ligand bound via a Bi-C and not a Bi-O linkage. This complex is formulated as Ar'Bi(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(2)-3,5-O-4) (4), a product of para C-H bond activation. Structural, spectroscopic, and DFT studies and a comparison with the protonated analogue [Ar'Bi(C(6)H(2)(t)Bu(2)-3,5-OH-4)][BPh(4)] (5), which was obtained by treatment of 4 with [HNEt(3)][BPh(4)], suggest that 4 contains an oxyaryl dianion. Complex 4 represents a fully characterizable product of a bismuth-mediated C-H activation and rearrangement of the type postulated in catalytic SOHIO processes.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and spectral properties of cobalt (Ⅱ) complexes:[ CoL (N_3) ] ·ClO_4 and CoL (N_3)_2 [L=tris ((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) methyl) amine

Two monomeric cobalt(Ⅱ)complexes,[CoL(N3)] ClO4(1)and CoL(N3)2(2),where L is tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methyl)amine,were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction technique.Complex 1 is five coordinated with one azide nitrogen atom and four nitrogen atoms of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-l-yl)-methyl)amine ligand,and the metal center is in distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment.Complex 2 is six coordinated distorted octahedron with the two azide nitrogen atoms and four nitrogen donors of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-methyl)amine ligand.The solution behaviors of the title complexes have been further investigated by UV-Vis,and 1H NMR analysis.It is found that the formation of 1 and 2 depends on the molar ratio of the azide ion to metal salt and ligand Complex 1 attached with one azide group is more stable and easy to generate than complex 2 incorporated with two azide groups,and the reasons were well discussed.     

Does covalency really increase across the 5f series? A comparison of molecular orbital, natural population, spin and electron density analyses of AnCp3 (An = Th-Cm; Cp = η(5)-C5H5)

The title compounds are studied with scalar relativistic, gradient-corrected (PBE) and hybrid (PBE0) density functional theory. The metal-Cp centroid distances shorten from ThCp(3) to NpCp(3), but lengthen again from PuCp(3) to CmCp(3). Examination of the valence molecular orbital structures reveals that the highest-lying Cp π(2,3)-based orbitals transform as 1e + 2e + 1a(1) + 1a(2). Above these levels come the predominantly metal-based 5f orbitals, which stabilise across the actinide series such that in CmCp(3) the 5f manifold is at more negative energy than the Cp π(2,3)-based levels. Mulliken population analysis shows metal d orbital participation in the e symmetry Cp π(2,3)-based orbitals. Metal 5f character is found in the 1a(1) and 1a(2) levels, and this contribution increases significantly from ThCp(3) to AmCp(3). This is in agreement with the metal spin densities, which are enhanced above their formal value in NpCp(3), PuCp(3) and especially AmCp(3) with both PBE and PBE0. However, atoms-in-molecules analysis of the electron densities indicates that the An-Cp bonding is very ionic, increasingly so as the actinide becomes heavier. It is concluded that the large metal orbital contributions to the Cp π(2,3)-based levels, and enhanced metal spin densities toward the middle of the actinide series arise from a coincidental energy match of metal and ligand orbitals, and do not reflect genuinely increased covalency (in the sense of appreciable overlap between metal and ligand levels and a build up of electron density in the region between the actinide and carbon nuclei).     

HMB and Cp* ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis- and tris-(mercaptomethimazolyl)borate ligands: Synthetic, X-ray structural and electrochemical studies (HMB = η-C6Me6, Cp* = η-C5Me5)

The reactions of [(HMB)RuCl₂]₂ with K[HB(mt)₃] and Na[H₂B(mt)₂] (mt = N-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazol-1-yl) led to the isolation of [(HMB)Ru{HB(mt)₃}]Cl (1) (ca. 66% yield) and [(HMB)Ru{H₂B(mt)₂}]Cl (2) (ca. 70% yield), respectively. The reaction of [Cp*RuOMe]₂ with Na[H₂B(mt)₂] yielded Cp*Ru[H₂B(mt)₂] (3) (ca. 85% yield). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out on all three complexes, together with cyclic voltammetric measurements.     

The oxidative addition of diphenylphosphine and monophenylphosphine to the electron-rich rhenium-rhenium triple bond. The isolation and characterization of compounds that contain the four-center Re(μ-X)(μ-PR2)Re cluster (X=halide)

Diphenylphosphine oxidatively adds to the ReRe bonds of Re₂ X ₄(-dppm)₂ (X=Cl or Br; dppm=Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) and Re₂Cl₄(-dpam)₂ (dpam=Ph₂AsCH₂AsPh₂) to afford the dirhenium(III) complexes Re₂(-X)(-PPh₂)HX ₃(-LL)₂. The dppm complexes have also been prepared from the reactions of Re₂(-O₂CCH₃)X ₄(-dppm)₂ with Ph₂PH, and a similar strategy has been used to prepare Re₂(-Cl)(-PPh₂)HCl₃(-dmpm)₂ (dmpm=Me₂PCH₂PMe₂) from Re₂(-O₂CCH₃)Cl₄(dmpm)₂. Phenylphosphine likewise reacts with Re₂ X ₄(-dppm)₂ to give Re₂(-X)(-PHPh)HX ₃(-dppm)₂. An X-ray crystal structure determination on Re₂(-Cl)(-PPh₂)HCl₃(-dppm)₂ confirms its edge-shared bioctahedral structure. This complex crystallizes in the space group (No. 148) witha=21.699(3) Å, =84.50(4)°,V=10084(5) ų, andZ=6. The structure was refined toR=0.049 (R _w 0.069) for 5770 data withI>3.0(I). The Re-Re distance is 2.5918(7) Å. Oxidation of the bromide complex Re₂(-Br)(-PPh₂)HBr₃(-dppm)₂ with NOPF₆ produces the unusual dirhenium(III, II) cation [Re₂(-H)(-Br)[P(O)Ph₂]Br₂(NO)(-dppm)₂]⁺ which has been structurally characterized as its perrhenate salt, [Re₂(-H)(-Br)[P(O)Ph₂]Br₂(NO)(-dppm)₂]ReO₄ · 2CH₂Cl₂. This complex crystallizes in the space group (No. 2) witha=14.187(7) Å,b=16.419(5) Å,c=16.729(5) Å, =98.76(2)°, =110.11(3)°, =104.66(3)°,V=3414(6) ų,Z=2. The structure was refined toR=0.040 (R _w =0.051) for 5736 data withI>3.0(I). The presence of a phosphorus-bound [P(O)Ph₂]^– ligand, a linear nitrosyl and a bridging hydrido ligand has been confirmed. The Re-Re distance is 2.6273(8) Å.     

Intermolecular versus intramolecular C-H activation reaction in the thermolysis of [Ru(Me)Cp*(PMe2Ph)2] (Cp* = η-C5Me5): formation and crystallographic characterisation of [Ru(Ph)Cp*(PMe2Ph)2]

Thermolysis of the ruthenium complex [Ru(Me)Cp*(PMe₂Ph)₂] (1) (Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅) in benzene gives methane and [Ru(Ph)Cp*(PMe₂Ph)₂] (2), which is converted slowly to (3) through the loss of benzene. 2 was structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. DFT calculations were performed in order to understand the behaviour of the ruthenium complex 1 towards inter- or intra-molecular C-H bond activation reactions.     

Ready formation of phosphonate complexes of rhodium and iridium from [M(P(OMe3)5]Cl compounds (M = Rh,Ir). Differences between reactions of dihydrogen with [Mp(O)(OMe)2(P(OMe)3)4] complexes (M = Co,Rh, Ir), including facile hydrogenolysis of a rhodiumphosphorus bond

The ease of formation of the phosphonate complexes [M(P(O)(OMe)₂(P(OMe)₃)₄] (M = Rh, Ir), from the pentakis-trimethylphosphite complexes [M(P(OMe)₃)₅]Cl is reported. Differences in the interaction of H₂ with the complexes [M′(P(O)(OMe)₂(P(OMe)₃)₄), (M′ = Co, Rh, Ir) are presented and discussed.     

Energetics of the oxidative addition of I2 to [Ir(Μ-L)(CO)2]2 (L=S t Bu, 3,5-Me2pz,7-aza) complexes. X-ray structures of Ir(Μ-S t Bu)(I)(CO)2]2 and [Ir(Μ-3,5-Me2pz)(I)(CO)2]2

The energetics of the oxidative additive of I₂ to [Ir(-L)(CO)₂]₂ [L =t-buthylthiolate (S ^t Bu), 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate (3,5-Me₂pz), and 7-azaindolate (7-aza)] complexes was investigated by using the results of reaction-solution calorimetric measurements, X-ray structure determinations, and extended Hückel (EH) molecular orbital calculations. The addition of 1 mol of iodine to 1 mol of [Ir(-L)(CO)₂]₂, in toluene, leads to [Ir(-L)(I)(CO)₂]₂, with the formation of two Ir-I bonds and one Ir-Ir bond. The following enthalpies of reaction were obtained for this process: –125.8±4.9 kJ mol^–1 (L = S ^t Bu), –152.0±3.8 kJ mol^–1 (L=3,5-Me₂pz), and –205.9±9.9 kJ mol^⊃ (L=7-aza). These results are consistent with a possible decrease of the strain associated with the formation of three-, four-, and five-membered rings, respectively, in the corresponding products, as suggested by the results of EH calculations. The calculations also indicate a slightly stronger Ir-Ir bond for L = 3,5-Me₂pz than for L= S ^t Bu despite the fact that the Ir-Ir bond lengths are identical for both complexes. The reaction of 1 mol of [Ir(-S ^t Bu)(CO)₂]₂ with 2 mol of iodine to yield [Ir(-S ^t Bu)(I)₂(CO)₂]₂ was also studied. In this process four Ir-I bonds are formed, and from the corresponding enthalpy of reaction (–186.4±2.7 kJ mol^–1) a solution phase Ir-I mean bond dissociation enthalpy in [Ir(-S ^t Bu)(I)₂(CO)₂]₂, , was derived. This value is lower than most values reported for octahedral mononuclear Ir¹¹¹ complexes. New large-scale syntheses of the [Ir(-L)(CO)₂]₂ complexes, with yields up to 90%, using [Ir(acac)(CO)₂] as starting material, are also reported. The X-ray structures of [Ir(-L)(I)(CO)₂]₂ (L=S^tBu and 3,5-Me₂pz) complexes have been determined. For L=S^tBu the crystals are monoclinic, space group P2_l/c,a=10.741(2) å,b= 11.282(3) å,c=18.308(3) å,=96.71(1), andZ=4. Crystals of the-3,5-Me₂pz derivative are monoclinic, space group P2_l/n,a=14.002(3) å,b= 10.686(1) å,c=15.627(3) å,=112.406(8), andZ=4. In both complexes the overall structure can be described as two square-planar pyramids, one around each iridium atom, with the iodine atoms in the apical positions, and the equatorial positions occupied by two CO groups and the two sulfur atoms of the S ^t Bu ligands, or two N atoms of the pyrazolyl ligands. In the case of L=S^tBu the pyramids share a common edge defined by the two bridging sulfur atoms and for L =3,5-Me₂pz they are connected through the two N-N bonds of the pyrazolyl ligands. The complexes exhibit short Ir-Ir single bonds of 2.638(1) å for L=S^tBu and 2.637(1) å for L=3,5-Me₂Pz. The oxidative addition of iodine to [Ir(-3,5-Me₂pz)(CO)₂]₂ results in a remarkable compression of 0.608 å in the Ir-Ir separation.