Alkylation reactions iridium-catalysed

In an important report, Janowicz and Bergman have described the photochemical incorporation of an alkyl group from an alkane into an iridium complex. The process does not appear to involve alkyl radicals, but is thought to occur via two successive concerted steps. This report may point the way to new catalytic processes for the functionalization of alkanes. The photoaddition of alkyl halides to alkenes catalysed by Cu complexes represents a novel process for formation of C-C bonds, and may have useful synthetic applications (Mitani et ai). The possibility of analogous intramolecular reactions comes readily to mind. 

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