Rhodium(I) and iridium(I) imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-ylalkylalkoxy complexes: Synthesis, characterization and application as catalysts for hydrosilylation of alkynes

•Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes bearing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-ylalkyl alcohol as chelating NˆO-monoanionic ligands have been prepared.•Their spectroscopic properties and structures were determined based on IR and NMR spectra and X-ray analyses.•The Rh(I) complexes were used as catalysts for the E-selective hydrosilylation of alkynes.

Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes bearing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-ylalkyl alcohol as chelating NˆO-monoanionic ligands were prepared as thermally stable compounds. Their spectroscopic properties and structures were determined based on IR and NMR spectra and X-ray analyses. The Rh(I) complexes were used as catalysts for the hydrosilylation of alkynes. The catalytic activities of the complexes were highly influenced by the substituents on their aromatic rings. Highly E-selective formation of vinylsilanes was achieved at higher temperatures for longer reaction times.

Graphical abstractRh(I) and Ir(I) complexes bearing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-ylalkyl alcohol as chelating NˆO-monoanionic ligands were prepared as thermally stable compounds. Their spectroscopic properties and structures were determined based on IR and NMR spectra and X-ray analyses. The Rh(I) complexes were used as catalysts for the hydrosilylation of alkynes. The catalytic activities of the complexes were highly influenced by the substituents on their aromatic rings. Highly E-selective formation of vinylsilanes was achieved at higher temperatures for longer reaction times.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide