Diene-Ligated Iridium Catalyst for Allylation Reactions of Ketones and Imines

[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ is a highly reactive catalyst for allylation reactions of ketones using allylboronic ester. Mechanistic experiments are consistent with formation of a nucleophilic allyliridium(I) complex that is activated by the diene ligand toward attack of a ketone. Aryl and alkyl ketones react smoothly at room temperature. Aldimines also undergo allylation under these reaction conditions, requiring increased reaction times relative to the corresponding ketones.