Carbonyl derivatives of iron(0) from the reaction of FeR 2(bipy) 2 (R=Me, Et) with carbon monoxide

Abstract

The reaction of FeR 2(bipy) 2, R=Me, Et, with CO proceeds with reductive elimination of acetone or diethylketone and formation of carbonyl derivatives of iron(0). The nature of the carbonyl derivatives depends on the solvent, Fe 2(bipy) 2(CO) 5 and Fe(bipy)(CO) 3 being isolated in heptane and toluene, respectively. Conversion of Fe 2(bipy) 2(CO) 5 to Fe(bipy)(CO) 3 takes place in toluene under a CO atmosphere. The tricarbonyl derivative Fe(bipy)(CO) 3, alternatively prepared by reaction of FeCl 3 with Nabipy in DME under a CO atmosphere, was studied by X-ray diffraction methods.