Synthesis of A Pincer-IrV Complex with A Base-Free Alumanyl Ligand and Its Application toward the Dehydrogenation of Alkanes.

A pincer-iridium complex bearing a Lewis-base-free X-type alumanyl ligand has been synthesized. X-ray diffraction, NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as XANES analysis confirmed its tetrahydrido-IrV structure and Lewis acidity at the Al center as supported by DFT calculations. The resulting complex was applied as a catalyst for the transfer dehydrogenation of cyclooctane.