The reaction of Cp3U=CHPMenPh3-n, n = 1, 2, or 3, with [CpM(CO)2]2, M = Fe or Ru

Abstract

The reactions of Cp3U=CHPMenPPh3-n (n = 1, 2, or 3) with [M(CO)2]2 (M = Fe or Ru) produce Cp3UOC(=CHPMenPh3-n)M2Cp2(CO)3, in which a terminal carbonyl in [M(CO)2]2 has inserted into the uranium carbon multiple bond of Cp3U=CHPMenPh3-n. The x-ray structure of Cp3UOC(=CHPMe3)Ru2Cp2(CO)3 has been determined and other analogous products have been characterized chemically and spectroscopically for both Ru and Fe species when n = 2 or 3. The products with n = 1 are less stable. The iron complexes, Cp3UOC(=CHPMenPh3-n)Fe2Cp2(CO)3, undergo a further coupling of the original terminal carbonyl with a bridging carbonyl to form an unusual allyl that is σ-coordinated to one Fe and π-coordinated to the other.