Rh(I) and Ir(I) dithioether complexes and their application in the hydrogenation of olefins

Mononuclear complexes [M(cod)(RS(CH2)nSR)]BF4 (M=Rh, Ir; n=2–4)) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of [Rh(cod){(CH3)2CHS(CH2)4SCH(CH3)2}]BF4 was determined by X-ray diffraction. The iridium complexes are catalytically active precursors in the hydrogenation of olefins. The effect of the length of the backbone between the two sulfur atoms and the group R bonded to sulfur was studied in the hydrogenation of itaconic acid and 1-hexene.