[IrCl(2)Cp*(NHC)] complexes as highly versatile efficient catalysts for the cross-coupling of alcohols and amines.

A comparative study on the catalytic activity of a series of [IrCl(2)Cp*(NHC)] complexes in several C-O and C-N coupling processes implying hydrogen-borrowing mechanisms has been performed. The compound [IrCl(2)Cp*(I(nBu))] (Cp*=pentamethyl cyclopentadiene; I(nBu)=1,3-di-n-butylimidazolylidene) showed to be highly effective in the cross-coupling reactions of amines and alcohols, providing high yields in the production of unsymmetrical ethers and N-alkylated amines. A remarkable feature is that the processes were carried out in the absence of base, phosphine, or any other external additive. A comparative study with other known catalysts, such as Shvo's catalyst, is also reported.