Alkoxylation of Ring-Methyl Group in Pentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium Complexes. A Facile Synthesis of (C5Me4CH2OR)IrL2 (R = Et, Me, and iPr)

Treatment of Cp*Ir complexes with two equivalents of sodium alkoxides brings about alkoxylation of the ring-methyl to give (C5Me4CH2OR)Ir [R = Et, Me, Pr, L = phosphorus ligands].