Conformational analysis and assignments of relative stereocenter configurations in fluoroalkyl-iridium complexes...

Solution conformations about the metal-carbon bond of the secondary fluoroalkyl ligands in iridium complexes [IrCp(PMe(3))(R(F))X] [Cp* = C(5)Me(5); R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2), X = I (1), CH(3) (2); R(F) = CF(CF(3))(CF(2)CF(3)), X = I (4), CH(3) (5)] have been determined using (19)F[(1)H] HOESY techniques. The molecules adopt the staggered conformation with the tertiary fluorine in the more hindered sector between the PMe(3) and X ligands, with CF(3) (and CF(2)CF(3)) substituents lying in the less hindered regions between PMe(3) and Cp or X and Cp. In molecules containing the CF(CF(3))(2) ligand, these conformations are identical to those adopted in the solid state. For compound 4, containing the CF(CF(3))(CF(2)CF(3)) ligand, two diastereomers are observed in solution. Solution conformations and relative stereocenter configuration assignments have been obtained using (19)F[(1)H] HOESY and correlated with the X-ray structure for the major diastereomer of 4, which has the (S(Ir), S(C)) or (R(Ir), R(C)) configuration. Relative stereocenter configurations of analogue 5, for which no suitable crystals could be obtained, were assigned using (19)F[(1)H] HOESY and proved to be different from 4, with 5 preferring the (S(Ir), R(C)) or (R(Ir), S(C)) configuration.