Auration, argentation, and mercuration reactions of an iridaphosphirene

The reactions of the iridaphosphirene complex Ir{=C(tBu)P(Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2] (Cy = cyclohexyl) with either AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) or AgCl result in the products Ir{=C(tBu)PM(Cl)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2], M = Au or Ag. The aurated product can additionally be obtained on reaction of the iridaphosphirene with AuCl(CNtBu)], via loss of the isocyanide ligand. Treatment of Ir{=C(tBu)P(Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2] with AuCl(PPh3)] in the presence of silver triflate leads to the isolation of the salt, Ir{=C(tBu)PAu(PPh3)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2]SO3CF3]. Reaction of the iridaphosphirene with PhHgCl in the absence or presence of silver triflate affords the mercurated species Ir{=C(tBu)PHg(Ph)](Cy)}(CO)(PPh3)2]X, X = Cl or CF3SO3, respectively. The former exhibits a weakly mercury-coordinated chloride ion. The X-ray crystal structures of all of the complexes are described.