Reactions of [Ir(COD)(PMe3)3]Cl with heteroaromatic compounds: Formation of an iridathiacycle, an iridaselenacycle and iridaazathiacycles

Reactions between [Ir(COD)(PMe3)3]Cl, 1, and the heteroaromatic compounds thiophene, selenophene and thiazole (and substituted thiazoles) are reported. Compound 1 acts as a convenient source of the very electron-rich “Ir(PMe3)3Cl” which is very active for oxidative addition reactions. All of the heteroaromatic compounds mentioned add via C–S or C–Se oxidative addition resulting in the insertion of the iridium forming 6-membered thia- or selena-iridacycles.