Naphthyridine‐based iridium complexes: Structures and catalytic activity on alkylation of aryl ketones

Iridium(III) complexes containing a designed ligand, 2‐amino‐7‐(2‐pyridinyl)‐1,8‐naphthyridine derivative, were prepared and all complexes were characterized using spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. These new Ir(III) complexes are able to act as catalysts for the C‐alkylation of aryl alkyl ketones with the use of alcohols as the alkylating agent. Typically, acetophenone undergoes alkylation with methanol and ethanol to yield isobutyrophenone and butyrophenone, respectively.