Synthesis and characterization of new pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium hydride complexes

► T1 measurements indicate that hydride compounds are classical. ► [Cp*IrH3(PPh2Me)]BF4 displays a thermally activated exchange process. ► Quantum mechanical exchange coupling is observed for [Cp*IrH3(PPh2Me)]BF4. ► Hydrides do not react with 1-phenylacetylene.