Conditions for deuterium exchange mediated by iridium complexes formed in situ

A series of iridium-based complexes formed in situ, containing pyridine, phosphines, triphenylarsine, triphenylstibine, and triphenylamine as ligands, has been screened for ability to mediate ortho-exchange of hydrogen in a series of model substrates. Improved incorporation into a number of substrate classes has been achieved. The electronic properties and number of ligands at the metal centre are instrumental in determining which catalysts are best suited to exchange in any given substrate.