Hydridic reductions of carbon monoxide to hydrocarbons on iron complexes

Abstract

Treatment of Cp 2Fe 2(CO) 4 with LiAlH 4 produces CH 4, C 2H 4, C 2H 6, C 3H 6, C 3H 8, C 4H 8 and C 4H 10. The exact ratio depends on the amount of LiAlH 4 used and on the length of reaction. All reactions were carried out with LiAlD 4, confirming that CO is reduced with LiAlH 4 as the only hydrogen source. By preparing potential intermediates (CH 3FeCp(CO) 2, C 2H 5FeCp(CO) 2 and CH 3C(O)FeCp(CO) 2) and treating them with LiAlD 4, we have found evidence for a CO insertion mechanism in chain propagation. Other hydridic reagents were used, the reactivity for the reduction of CO decreases LiAlH 4 > NaBH 4 > LiEt 3BH.