A tridentate, NNC-tb (where NNC-tb = 2-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[h]quinoline) ligated Ir^III complex (NNC-tb)Ir(Ph)(4-MePy)(TFA), 11 along with analogues are very active for CH activation as evidenced by rapid catalytic H/D exchange between benzene and trifluoroacetic acid – d₁ (DTFA). The complexes were examined with a variety of oxidants for the catalytic conversion of benzene to phenyltrifluoroacetate. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of (NNC-tb)Ir complexes is described along with the reactivity of these complexes towards arenes and alkanes.