Infrared spectra of XC[triple bond]IrX(3) and CX(2)=IrX(2) prepared by reactions of laser-ablated iridium atoms with halomethanes.

Small iridium high oxidation-state complexes with carbon-iridium multiple bonds are identified in the product matrix infrared spectra from reactions of laser-ablated Ir atoms with tetra-, tri- and dihalomethanes. In contrast to the previously studied Rh case, Ir carbyne complexes (XC[triple bond]IrX(3)) are generated in reactions of tetrahalomethanes, and their short Ir-C bond lengths of 1.725-1.736 A are appropriate for the carbon-metal triple bonds. DFT calculations also show that the Ir carbynes with an Ir-F bond have unusual square planar structures, similar to the recently discovered Ru planar complexes. Diminishing preference for the carbyne complexes leads to methylidene product absorptions in the tri- and dihalomethane spectra, marking a limit for generation of small metal carbynes. The insertion complexes, on the other hand, are not observed in this study, suggesting that X migration from C to Ir following initial C-X insertion is swift.