Carbonyl derivatives of iron(0) from the reaction of FeR2 (bipy)2 (R = Me, Et) with carbon monoxide

The reaction of FeR2(bipy)(2), R = Me, Et, with CO proceeds with reductive elimination of acetone or diethylketone and formation of carbonyl derivatives of iron(0). The nature of the carbonyl derivatives depends on the solvent, Fe-2(bipy)(2)(CO)(5) and Fe(bipy)(CO)(3) being isolated in heptane and toluene, respectively. Conversion of Fe-2(bipy)(2)(CO)(5) to Fe(bipy)(CO)(3) takes place in toluene under a CO atmosphere. The tricarbonyl derivative Fe(biPY)(CO)(3), alternatively prepared by reaction of FeCl3 with Nabipy in DME under a CO atmosphere, was studied by X-ray diffraction methods. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.