“…[17] In summary, [Ir 4 (CO) 12 ] catalyzes the coupling reaction of imidazoles with aldehydes in the presence of a hydrosilane to give 2-alkyl imidazoles. [1±3] Application of this methodology, in conjunction with readily available epoxide and aziridine substrates provides facile access to b-lactones [4] and b-lactams, [5,6] useful precursors for organic synthesis as well as for the synthesis of polymers such as poly (3hydroxyalkanoates) [7] and poly(b-peptides). [18] Experimental Section 3: [Ir 4 (CO) 12 ] (22 mg, 0.02 mmol), 1-methylimidazole (82 mg, 1 mmol), hexanal (100 mg, 1 mmol), diethylmethylsilane (204 mg, 2 mmol), DMAD (23 mg, 0.16 mmol), and toluene (5 mL) were mixed in a 10-mL flamedried flask.…”