Functional phosphines. Part XIV. Cationic (P,N)2-coordinated hydrides of iridium(III): catalysts for CO hydrogenation or transfer hydrogenation?

Treatment of trans-[IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂] with Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂ in refluxing para-xylene gave (OC-6-43)-[Ir(H)(Cl)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (1) which interacted with K[BH(s-Bu₃)] to produce a mixture of (OC-6-22)-[IrH₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (2a) and (OC-6-32)-[Ir(H)(Cl)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (2b). The trans-dihydride 2a was isolated in pure form from the reaction between 1 and KOH/i-PrOH. Different from its isoelectronic (P,N)₂-coordinated Ru^II analogues, the cationic chloro hydrido complex 1 does not act as a catalyst for the direct hydrogenation of acetophenone by molecular H₂, if activated by strong alkoxide base, but rather catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of the CO bond with methanol or isopropanol as proton/hydride sources. Dihydrido complex 2a is ascribed the role of the actual catalyst as it supports the transfer hydrogenation reaction even in the absence of base. The crystal structure of the addition compound 1 · 2EtOH has been determined.     

Kinetic studies on the reactions of HCl with trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2] (L=N2, H2 or CO)

The kinetics of the reactions between anhydrous HCl and trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] (L=CO, N₂ or H₂) have been studied in thf at 25.0 °C. When L=CO, the product is [MoH(CO)(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺, and when L=H₂ or N₂ the product is trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. Using stopped-flow spectrophotometry reveals that the protonation chemistry of trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] is complicated. It is proposed that in all cases protonation occurs initially at the nitrogen atom of the isonitrile ligand to form trans-[MoL(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺. Only when L=N₂ is this single protonation sufficient to labilise L to dissociation, and subsequent binding of Cl⁻ gives trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. At high concentrations of HCl a second protonation occurs which inhibits the substitution. It is proposed that this second proton binds to the dinitrogen ligand. When L=CO or H₂, a second protonation is also observed but in these cases the second protonation is proposed to occur at the carbon atom of the aminocarbyne ligand, generating trans-[MoL(CHNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]²⁺. Addition of the second proton labilises the trans-H₂ to dissociation, and subsequent rapid binding of Cl⁻ and dissociation of a proton yields the product trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. Dissociation of L=CO does not occur from trans-[Mo(CO)(CHNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]²⁺, but rather migration of the proton from carbon to molybdenum, and dissociation of the other proton produces [MoH(CO)(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺.     

A new route to N(1)-5R-tetrazole complexes via azidation to nitriles coordinated to Pt(II) and Pt(IV)

New tetrazolate complexes trans-[PtCl₂(RCN₄)₂]²⁻, trans-[PtCl₄(RCN₄)₂]²⁻ with Ph₃PCH₂Ph⁺ and (CH₃)₂NH₂⁺ counterions have been obtained by azidation of nitriles coordinated to Pt(II) and Pt(IV) {trans-[PtCl₂(RCN)₂] and trans-[PtCl₄(RCN)₂] (R = Et, Ph)} and characterized. The composition and the molecular structure of the complexes obtained were established by the СHN elemental analyses, ¹Н and ¹³С NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The coordination of nitriles to Pt(II) and Pt(IV) is shown significantly activate the azidation: the reaction proceeds with a higher rate and at relatively low temperature compared with the classical 1,3-dipolar addition of azides to nitriles.     

Photolytic CO-substitution reaction of organoiron thiocarboxylate derivatives CpFe(CO)2SCOR (R=alkyl, aryl) with diphosphines (Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2) (n=1-6): X-ray crystal structure of [CpFe(dppm)SCO(3,5-(NO2)2C6H3)]

The photolytic CO-substitution reaction of the organoiron thiocarboxylate complexes CpFe(CO)₂SCOR (R=CH₃, 2-CH₃C₆H₄, 2-NO₂C₆H₄, 4-NO₂C₆H₄, 3,5-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃) with diphosphines (Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂) [n=1 (dppm), n=2 (dppe), n=3 (dpppr), n=4 (dppb), n=5 (dppp), n=6 (dpph)] at room temperature using 1:2 (metal-ligand) molar ratio afforded exclusively the disubstituted complexes CpFe(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)SCOR when n=1, 2 and 3 and the monosubstituted analogs CpFe(CO)(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)SCOR when n=4, 5 and 6. This reaction was found to be strongly influenced by the backbone length of the diphosphine ligand, the nature of the R group of the thiocarboxylate moiety and the metal-ligand molar ratios. The crystal structure of CpFe(dppm)SCO(3,5-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃) was determined.     

Bis(dimethylphosphino)methane complexes of ruthenium carbonyl

Reaction of Me₂PCH₂PMe₂ with [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio in the presence of [(Ph₃P)₂N]CN catalyst gives [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-Me₂PCH₂PMe₂)] and [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ-Me₂PCH₂PMe₂)₂] respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopies.     

Syntheses and michael additions to vinylidene diphosphine complexes of type [M(CO)4{(Ph2P)2CCH2}] (MCr,Mo or W)

Treatment of [M(CO)₄Ph₂PCHPPh₂]⁻ with CH₃- OCH₂Cl at 20 °C gave the methoxymethyl derivations [M(CO)₄{Ph₂PCH(CH₂OCH₃)PPh₂}] (MCr or W), but a similar treatment at 80 °C gave derivatives of a vinylidene diphosphine [M(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂C CH₂]. Treatment of [M(CO)₄Ph₂PCHPPh₂]⁻with CH₃CHClOCH₃ at 20 or 80 °C gave only [M(CO)₄- (Ph₂P)₂CHCH(CH₃)OCH₃] (MCr or W). The vinylidene diphosphine complexes [M(CO)₄(Ph₂P)2- CCH₂] (MCr, Mo or W) were even more easily prepared by treating [M(CO)₆] with (Ph₂P)₂CCH₂ (vdpp) in hot solvents such as CH₃OCH₂CH₂OCH₂- CH₂OCH₃.Treatment of [W(CO)₄vdpp] with LiBuⁿ followed by methanol gave [W(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂CHCH₂Buⁿ] (1c), i.e. conjugate addition to the CCH₂ occurs. 1c was also made by treating [W(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂CH]⁻ with n-pentyl-iodide. Similarly LiMe was added to [W(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂CCH₂]. Treatment of [M(CO)₄- vdpp] with NaCH(COOEt)₂ gave [M(CO)₄(Ph₂- P)₂CHCH₂CH(COOEt)₂] (MW or Mo). Pyrrolidine added to the CCH₂ bonds of [M(CO)₄vddp] to give [M(CO)₄(Ph₂P)₂CHCH₂NC₄H₈]. ³¹p and ¹H NMR and IR data are given.     

Electrochemical oxidation of Mo(CO)4(LL) and Mo(CO)3(LL)(CH3CN): Generation, infrared characterization, and reactivity of [Mo(CO)4(LL)] and [Mo(CO)3(LL)(CH3CN)] (LL = 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and related ligands)

Mo(CO)₄(LL) complexes, where LL = polypyridyl ligands such as 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline, undergo quasi-reversible, one-electron oxidations in methylene chloride yielding the corresponding radical cations, [Mo(CO)₄(LL)]⁺. These electrogenerated species undergo rapid ligand substitution in the presence of acetonitrile, yielding [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺; rate constants for these substitutions were measured using chronocoulometry and were found to be influenced by the steric and electronic properties of the polypyridyl ligands. [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺ radical cations, which could also be generated by reversible oxidation of Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN) in acetonitrile, can be irreversibly oxidized yielding [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ after coordination by an additional acetonitrile. Infrared spectroelectrochemical experiments indicate the radical cations undergo ligand-induced net disproportionations that follow first-order kinetics in acetonitrile, ultimately yielding the corresponding Mo(CO)₄(LL) and [Mo(CO)₂(LL)(CH₃CN)₃]²⁺ species. Rate constants for the net disproportionation of [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺ and the carbonyl substitution reaction of [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ were measured. Thin-layer bulk oxidation studies also provided infrared characterization data of [Mo(CO)₄(ncp)]⁺ (ncp = neocuproine), [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺, [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ and [Mo(CO)₂(LL)(CH₃CN)₃]²⁺ complexes.     

Construction of one-, two- and three-dimensional Cu(I) polymeric architectures containing bis(diphenylphosphino)acetylene and 4,4′-bipyridine linking ligands

One-dimensional {[Cu₂(dppa)₂(4,4′-bipy)(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₂ · 2CH₃CN}_n (1), two-dimensional {[Cu₂(dppa)(4,4′-bipy)₂(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₂ · 4CH₂Cl₂ · 4H₂O}_n (2) and three-dimensional {[Cu₂(dppa)(4,4′-bipy)₃](BF₄)₂ · 2CH₂Cl₂ · 3CH₃CN · 3H₂O}_n (3) polymeric complexes have been prepared by self-assembly of [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄, Ph₂PCCPPh₂ (dppa) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) in a 2:2:1, 1:1:1 and 2:2:3 molar ratio, respectively. The structures of 1-3, determined by an X-ray diffraction study, reveal a linear spring-like architecture for 1, a planar honeycomb grid for 2 and an interlocked adamantoid network for 3.     

[Co{Ph2P(O)CH2P(O)Ph2}3][CoCl4] · 8CHCl3: Crystal structure and formation from [Co2(Ph2PCH2PPh2)(CO)6] in chloroform

When a solution of [Co₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)(CO)₆] in chloroform or deuterochloroform is allowed to stand in air at room temperature, it deposits dark green crystals of [Co{Ph₂P(O)CH₂P(O)Ph₂}₃][CoCl₄] · 8CHCl₃. The same product is formed more quickly and in much higher yield (80% based on Co) if the reaction is carried out in the presence of 2 equiv. of [Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂]; the Co^II appears to catalyse the air-oxidation of [Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂]. The salt was characterised by X-ray crystallography and shown to contain octahedral Co^II cations and Co^II tetrahedral anions having normal bond lengths and angles.     

Syntheses and structures of the heterometallic clusters [(Ph3PAu)3Re(CO)4], [(Ph3PAu)4Re(CO)4], [(Ph3PAu)6AuRe2(CO)8], and [(Ph3PAu)6Re(CO)3]

The reaction of [HRe₃(CO)₁₂]²⁻ with an excess of Ph₃PAuCl in CH₂Cl₂ yields [(Ph₃PAu)₄Re(CO)₄]⁺ as the main product, which crystallizes as [(Ph₃PAu)₄Re(CO)₄]PF₆ · CH₂Cl₂ (1 · CH₂Cl₂) after the addition of KPF₆.The crystal structure determination reveals a trigonal bipyramidal Au₄Re cluster with the Re atom in equatorial position.If [(Ph₃PAu)₄Re(CO)₄]⁺ is reacted with PPh₄Cl, a cation [Ph₃PAu]⁺ is eliminated as Ph₃PAuCl, and the neutral cluster [(Ph₃PAu)₃Re(CO)₄] (2) is formed.It combines with excess [(Ph₃PAu)₄Re(CO)₄]⁺ to afford the cluster cation, [(Ph₃PAu)₆AuRe₂(CO)₈]⁺. It crystallizes from CH₂Cl₂ as[(Ph₃PAu)₆AuRe₂(CO)₈]PF₆ · 4CH₂Cl₂ (3 · 4CH₂Cl₂). In [(Ph₃PAu)₃Re(CO)₄] the metal atoms are arranged in form of a lozenge while in [(Ph₃PAu)₆AuRe₂(CO)₈]⁺ two Au₄Re trigonal bipyramids are connected by a common axial Au atom.The treatment of [(Ph₃PAu)₄Re(CO)₄]⁺ with KOH and Ph₃PAuCl in methanol yields the cluster cation [(Ph₃PAu)₆Re(CO)₃]⁺, which crystallizes with from CH₂Cl₂ as [(Ph₃PAu)₆Re(CO)₃]PF₆ · CH₂Cl₂ (4 · CH₂Cl₂). The metal atoms in this cluster form a pentagonal bipyramid with the Re atom in the axial position.     

Heteroligand copper(I) complexes of N-thiophosphorylated thioureas and phosphanes: Versatile structures and luminescence

Reaction of the potassium salts of (EtO)₂P(O)CH₂C₆H₄-4-(NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂) (HL^I), (CH₂NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₂ (H₂L^II) or cyclam(C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₄ (H₄L^III) with [Cu(PPh₃)₃I] or a mixture of CuI and Ph₂P(CH₂)_1-3PPh₂ or Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂ in aqueous EtOH/CH₂Cl₂ leads to [Cu(PPh₃)L^I] (1), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂L^II] (2), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}L^I] (3), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}L^I] (4), [Cu{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}L^I] (5), [Cu₂(PPh₃)₂L^II] (6), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)L^II] (7), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₂L^II] (8), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₂L^II] (9), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₂L^II] (10), [Cu₈(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₈L^IIII₄] (11), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₄L^III] (12), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₄L^III] (13) or [Cu₄{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₄L^III] (14) complexes. The structures of these compounds were investigated by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; their compositions were examined by microanalysis. The luminescent properties of the complexes 1-14 in the solid state are reported.     

New synthesis of seven-coordinate complexes of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) containing bidentate phosphorus ligands, [MI2(CO)3{Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2}] (n = 1–6)

A new high yielding synthesis of the seven-coordinate complexes [MI₂(CO)₃{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂}] (M = Mo and W; n = 1–6) is described. The procedure involves reacting the complexes [MI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] in CH₂Cl₂ with an equimolar amount of the bidentate phosphorus ligand. The low temperature (−70 °C) ¹³C NMR spectra of the complexes [Wl₂(CO)₃{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂}] (n = 3 and 5) indicates that the geometry is capped octahedral with a carbonyl ligand in the unique capping position.     

Synthesis,reactivity, and X-ray crystal structure of a remarkably stable bis(alkoxo)platinum complex

Platinum complexes of the ligand Ph₂PCH₂CMe₂OH are described including [Pt(PPh₂CH₂CMe₂O)₂] which contains PtO bonds of unprecedented stability that readily undergo insertion of SO₂ and CO.     

Single-flask synthesis of (C5H5)W(CO)3Cl from W(CO)6

(C₅H₅)W(CO)₃Cl has been prepared in >90% yield from W(CO)₆, cyclopentadiene, and CCl₄ in a single-flask synthesis involving the intermediates W(CO)₃(CH₃CN)₃ and (C₅H₅)W(CO)₃H.     

Reactions of rhodium(II) and iridium(III) complexes bearing a P,O-coordination with tetracyanoethylene in the presence of KPF6

Reactions of Cp*M(MDMPP-P,O)Cl (1a: M=Rh, 1b: M=Ir; MDMPP-P,O=PPh₂(2-O-6-MeOC₆H₃)) with tetracyanoethylene (tcne) in the presence of KPF₆ gave Cp*MCl[PPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)₂CH(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}] (2), [{Cp*MPPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)C(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}}₂(CN)](PF₆) (3), [{Cp*IrPPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)C(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}}(CN){Cp*Ir(MDMPP-P,O)}](PF₆) (4b) and [{Cp*Ir(MDMPP-P,O)}₂(CN)](PF₆) (5b), depending on the reaction conditions. Reaction of 2 with KPF₆ or AgOTf in the absence and presence of xylyl isocyanide (XylNC) gave 3 or [Cp*MCl{PPh₂(2-O-3-(C(CN)₂-CH(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂)}(XylNC)](OTf) (6). The structure of 3a (M=Rh) was confirmed by X-ray crystal analysis.     

Synthesis and coordination of the bifunctionalized ylides Ph2P(CH2)n(Ph)2PCHCOOMe (n = 1, 2) and ketenylidene Ph2P(CH2)2(Ph)2PCCO to Pd and Pt complexes

In this paper it is reported the synthesis of the phosphonium salts [Ph₂P(CH₂)_n(Ph)₂PCH₂COOMe]Br (n = 1 (1), 2 (2)) and [Ph₂P(CH₂COOMe)(CH₂)_n(Ph)₂PCH₂COOMe]Br₂ (n = 3 (3)) derived from the reactions of the diphosphines dppm, dppe and dppp with methyl bromoacetate. By reaction of the monophosphonium salt of dppm and dppe with the strong base Na[N(SiMe₃)₂] the corresponding carbonyl stabilized ylides Ph₂P(CH₂)_n(Ph)₂PCHCOOMe (n = 1 (4), 2 (5)) were obtained. The Ph₂P(CH₂)₂(Ph)₂PCHCOOMe (5) ylide was reacted with Pd(II) and Pt(II) substrates. From these reactions were isolated exclusively complexes in which the ylide was chelated to the metal through the free phosphine group and the ylidic carbon atom. A further reaction of the Ph₂P(CH₂)₂(Ph)₂PCHCOOMe (5) ylide with 1.5 equiv. of Na[N(SiMe₃)₂] gives the bifunctionalized ketenylidene Ph₂P(CH₂)₂(Ph)₂PCCO (6) system. This cumulenic ylide reacts with Pt(II) complexes to form a chelated derivative in which IR and NMR spectra suggest the breaking of the CC bond of the -CCO group.     

Synthesis and reactions of [M(CO)4(Ph2PSiMe3)X] complexes (M = Mn,Re; X = Halogen)

The silylphosphine ligand Ph₂PSiMe₃ reacts readily with a slurry of [Re(CO)₅X] (X  Cl, Br) in polar and in non-polar solvents to yield soluble cis-[Re(CO)₄- (Ph₂PSiMe₃)X] (Ia, X  Cl;Ib, X  Br) via CO substitution. Compound I is readily hydrolyzed by water or silica gel to cis-[Re(CO)₄(Ph₂PH)X]. Compound Ib reacts with [Re(CO)₅Br] to yield [Re₂(CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)- (μ-Br)] (II), and with [Mn(CO)₅Br] to yield [MnRe- (CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)(μ-Br)] (III).The reaction of Ph₂PSiMe₃ with [Mn(CO)₅X] (X=Cl,Br,I) is highly dependent upon reaction conditions.In polar and in non-polar solvents, an excess of ligand gives mainly cis-[Mn(CO)₄(Ph₂PSiMe₃)X] (IVa, X  Cl;IVb, X  Br;IVc, X I). With ligand: [Mn(CO)₅X] reacting ratios in the range 0.5–1.0:1, the products from the three respective halomanganese complexes in THF were: (a) mainly [Mn₂(CO)₈(μ- PPh₂)(μ-Cl) (Va); (b) both [Mn(CO)₄(Ph₂PSiMe₃)Br] and [Mn₂(CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)(μ-Br)] (Vb); and (c) exclusively [Mn(CO)₄(Ph₂PSiMe₃)I]. The compounds IVa-c are stable in solution at ambient temperatures and are readily hydrolyzed by water or methanol to [Mn(CO)₄(Ph₂PH)X]. Compound IVb reacts at room temperature with [Mn(CO)₅Cl] to yield only [Mn₂- (CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)(μ-Br)] (Vb); compound IVc reacts in hot toluene with [Mn(CO)₅Cl] to yield mainly [Mn₂(CO)₈(μ-PPh₂)(μ-I)] (Vc), together with a small amount of the chloro-bridged analog.The dinuclear species II, III and Va-c appear to be formed mainly via an intermolecular elimination of Me₃SiX from the appropriate [M(CO)₄(Ph₂PSiMe₃)X] and metalpentacarbonylhalide (chloride or bromide) complexes.     

Sn-S and Ru-Ru bonds cleavage reactions between [Ph3SnS(CH2)3SSnPh3] and Ru3(CO)12: X-ray crystal structures of [Ph3SnS(CH2)3SSnPh3] and trans-[Ru(CO)4(SnPh3)2]

The organotin complex [Ph₃SnS(CH₂)₃SSnPh₃] (1) was synthesized by PdCl₂ catalyzed reaction between Ph₃SnCl and disodium-1,3-propanedithiolate which in turn was prepared from 1,2-propanedithiol and sodium in refluxing THF. Reaction of 1 with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing THF affords the mononuclear complex trans-[Ru(CO)₄(SnPh₃)₂] (2) and the dinuclear complex [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-κ²-SCH₂CH₂CH₂S)] (3) in 20 and 11% yields, respectively, formed by cleavage of Sn-S bond of the ligand and Ru-Ru bonds of the cluster. Treatment of pymSSnPPh₃ (pymS = pyrimidine-2-thiolate) with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ at 55-60 °C also gives 2 in 38% yield. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by a combination of spectroscopic data and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

A structural investigation of the heterobimetallic carbocation complex [Cp(CO)2Fe{μ-CH2CH(CH2)3}W(CO)3Cp]BPh4

The reaction of [Cp^∗(CO)₂Fe{μ-CH₂CH(CH₂)₃}W(CO)₃Cp]PF₆ with NaBPh₄ in dry acetone gave [Cp^∗(CO)₂Fe{μ-CH₂CH(CH₂)₃}W(CO)₃Cp]BPh₄. The bond Fe-C_β is shorter than that reported for the shorter chain carbocationic complexes. The data suggest that metallacyclopropane character is on the iron side of the molecule both in the solid state and in solution.     

Synthesis and characterization of amine complexes of the cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl complex cation, [Cp(CO)2Fe]

The organometallic Lewis acid, [CpFe(CO)₂]⁺ (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) reacts with excess dry diethyl ether at low temperatures to form the labile complex [CpFe(CO)₂(Et₂O)]⁺[BF₄]⁻ (1) which is stable at low temperatures and has been fully characterized. Complex 1 in turn reacts with 1-aminoalkanes and α,ω-diaminoalkanes to form new complexes of the type [CpFe(CO)₂NH₂(CH₂)_nCH₃]BF₄ (n = 2-6) (2) and [{CpFe(CO)₂}₂μ-(NH₂(CH₂)_nNH₂)](BF₄)₂ (n = 2-4) (3), respectively. These complexes have been fully characterized and the mass spectral patterns of complexes 2 are reported. The structures of compounds 2a (n = 2) and 2b (n = 3) have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The single crystal X-ray diffraction data show that complex 2a, [CpFe(CO)₂NH₂(CH₂)₂CH₃]BF₄, crystallizes in a triclinic space group while 2b, [CpFe(CO)₂NH₂(CH₂)₃CH₃]BF₄, crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pca2₁ space group with two crystallographically independent molecular cations in the asymmetric unit. Furthermore, the reaction of 1 with 1-alkenes gives the η²-alkene complexes in high yield.