The reaction of 1,3 dimethylimidazolium iodide (shown on the next page) with one equivalent of KO t Bu in THF, followed by addition of one equivalent of Ru 3 (CO) 12 leads to product A The IR spectrum of A has several strong absorptions between 2093 and 1975 cm 1 , and the solution 1 H NMR spectrum...

a The role of KOtBu in the reaction is likely to act as a base KOtBu is potassium ter ...

The reaction of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium iodide (shown on the next page) with one equivalent of KO t Bu

Question:

The reaction of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium iodide (shown on the next page) with one equivalent of KO^tBu in THF, followed by addition of one equivalent of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ leads to product A. The IR spectrum of A has several strong absorptions between 2093 and 1975 cm^–1, and the solution ¹H NMR spectrum of A exhibits singlets at δ 7.02 and 3.80 ppm (relative integrals 1 : 3).

(a) What role does KO^tBu play in the reaction?

(b) What is the likely identity of A?