Two-step C-H, C-P bond activation at an alpha-diimine iron dinitrogen complex

Reduction of 6-coordinate ((DI)-D-Ph2PPr)FeBr2 under N-2 results in formation of the terminal dinitrogen complex, ((DI)-D-Ph2PPr)FeN2. Heating this product to 75 degrees C allows for C-H and C-P activation of the chelate to generate the cisoid and transoid isomers of [(mu-PrPPh-kappa(5)-P, N, N, C-gamma, P-(DIPrPPh)-D-Ph2PPr)Fe](2). Mechanistic possibilities for this transformation are discussed.