Preparation of alkyl-Fp [Fp = (C5H5)Fe(CO)2] complexes via organometallic reagents: reactions of RMgX and RLi with Fp-I and Fp-THF+BF4-

Abstract

The preparation of alkyl substituted Fp Complexes [Fp = (C5H5)Fe(CO)2] by the reaction of Grignard or alkyl lithium reagents with Fp-I and Fp -THF+BF4- has been investigated. Small alkyl substituents (Me, Pr, Bu) provided moderate yields of Fp-R in the reaction of the corresponding lithium or magnesium reagent with Fp-I. Cyclohexyl and phenyl Grignard reagents showed coupling of the organic fragments and concomitant production of Fp2. Increased yields of Fp-R and decreased generation of Fp2 were observed when Fp-THF+ was used in place of Fp-I. Secondary nucleophiles gave substantially lower yields.