Air-Stable, Nitrile-Ligated (Cyclopentadienone)iron Dicarbonyl Compounds as Transfer Reduction and Oxidation Catalysts

A series of air-stable, nitrile-ligated (cyclopentadienone)iron dicarbonyl compounds was synthesized and their activities as catalysts in the transfer reduction of acetophenone were explored. While all were active catalysts, the acetonitrile adduct was chosen for further study and was found to be active in the transfer reduction of aldehydes and ketones and in the Oppenauer-type oxidation of secondary alcohols. The acetonitrile catalyst exhibited activities similar to those of an analogous air-sensitive iron hydride, but unlike the iron hydride it was unreactive in carbonyl reductions using hydrogen gas.