Preparation and reactions of methyl iridium complexes in water

Reactions of methylating agents, MeI and Me3OBF4, with trans-Ir(CO)(Cl)(TPPTS)(2) (TPPTS = P(m-C6H4SO3Na)(3)) are examined in H2O and DMSO. Three products are observed with MeI in water, Ir(CO)(Cl)(I)(Me)(TPPTS)(2), Ir(CO)(Cl)(Me) (H2O)(TPPTS)(2) and Ir(CO)(b(Me)(H2O)(TPPTS)(2)(+); reactions in the presence of excess C-l- and I- form Ir(CO)(Cl)(2)(Me)(TPPTS)(2) and Ir(CO)(I)(2)(Me) (TPPTS)(2), respectively. Reaction of trimethyloxonium(+) with trans-Ir(CO)(CI)(TPPTS)(2) produced only Ir(CO)(Cl)(Me)(H2O)(TPPTS)(2). None of the methyl compounds underwent hydrolysis or carbonylation.