Iridioides

Iridioides is a term used in chemistry to refer to compounds that are structurally related to iridium. It is not a specific chemical class with a unified definition like "alkaloids" or "terpenoids." Instead, it broadly encompasses molecules containing iridium as a central atom, often coordinated to various organic or inorganic ligands. These compounds are of interest primarily in the field of organometallic chemistry and catalysis due to iridium's unique electronic properties and its ability to facilitate a range of chemical transformations.

The study of iridioides has led to the development of highly active catalysts for reactions such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and C-H activation. These catalysts are valuable in both academic research and industrial processes, contributing to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and advanced materials. The diverse coordination chemistry of iridium allows for the fine-tuning of catalytic activity and selectivity by altering the ligands surrounding the metal center. Research in this area continues to explore new iridioides with improved performance and novel applications.