[IrCl2Cp*(NHC)] Complexes as Highly Versatile Efficient Catalysts for the Cross‐Coupling of Alcohols and Amines

A comparative study on the catalytic activity of a series of IrCl₂Cp*(NHC)] complexes in several C–O and C–N coupling processes implying hydrogen‐borrowing mechanisms has been performed. The compound IrCl₂Cp*(I^nBu)] (Cp*=pentamethyl cyclopentadiene; I^nBu=1,3‐di‐n‐butylimidazolylidene) showed to be highly effective in the cross‐coupling reactions of amines and alcohols, providing high yields in the production of unsymmetrical ethers and N‐alkylated amines. A remarkable feature is that the processes were carried out in the absence of base, phosphine, or any other external additive. A comparative study with other known catalysts, such as Shvo's catalyst, is also reported.