First example of opening and hydrogenation of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiopheneto 2-ethylthiophenol assisted by a soluble metal complex

Displacement of THF by dihydrobenzo[b] thiophene (DHBT) in C(triphos)Ir(H)( 2)(THF)]BPh4 yields the eta(1)-S-DHBT adduct [(triphos)Ir(H)(2)(eta(1)-DHBT )]BPh4 which reacts in THF at room temperature with KOBut to give the neutr al 2-vinylthiophenolate derivative (triphos)Ir(H)(2){eta(1)-S(C6H4)CH=CH2} via C-2-S bond cleavage; the latter compound is hydrogenated under mild con ditions (2 bar H-2, 80 degrees C) to the 2-ethylthiophenolate derivative (t riphos)Ir(H)(2)(o-S(C6H4)Et} and under harsh conditions (30 bar H-2, 160 de grees C) to free 2-ethylthiophenol and (triphos)IrH3.