Low-coordinate iridium NHC complexes derived from selective and reversible C-H bond activation of fluoroarenes.

Interaction of the reactive 14 VE {Ir(IBioxMe4)3}(+) fragment with fluoroarenes results exclusively in ortho-C-H bond oxidative addition and formation of 16 VE Ir(iii) derivatives [Ir(IBioxMe4)3(Ar)H](+) (Ar = 2-C6H4F, 2,3-C6H3F2, 2,4,6-C6H2F3). The C-H bond activation reactions occur under mild conditions and are reversible.