Nature of the catalytic cycle in iridium-complex catalysed hydrogenation of unsaturated alcohols

The $\text{endo}$ face specific reduction of $\text{endo}$-6-methylenebicyclo2,2,2]octan-2-ol and $\text{endo}$-6-methybicyclo 2,2,2]-oct-5-en-2-ol with D₂ and iridium catalysts is accompanied by deep-seated isotopic redistribution through an intramolecular mechanism, although only two deuterium atoms are incorporated on average. Individual isotopomers of the product may be identified in the ¹³C N.m.r. spectrum at 125 MHz. and their ratio is generally consistent with a mechanism in which product is formed by breakdown of an alkyliridium trihydride. Iridium (and rhodium) catalysts part-isomerise the exocyclic olefin to its endocyclic isomer $\text{via}$ an Ir-allyl intermediate without incorporation of deuterium. The reduction of 3-methylcyclohex-2-enol is likewise accompanied by considerable scrambling, with isotopic enrichment occurring at C2, C3, C4 and C5 of the product, $\text{trans}$-3-methylcyclohexanol. Deuteration occurs exclusively on the hydroxyl-bearing face of the molecule.