Reductive elimination of a bridged chlorine from a diiridium(iii) core, [(dfpbo)(2)Ir(μ-Cl)](2) (dfpbo = 2-(3.5-difluorophenyl)benzoxazolato-N,C(2)), afforded an iridium dimer, [(fpbo)(2)Ir](2)(μ-Cl), showing an 18+δ structure with a bent bridge, which can release metalloradicals spontaneously in solution at room temperature.