P-P bond formation via reductive dimerization of [Cp*Fe(eta(5)-P-5)] by divalent samarocenes

The two new 3d/4f polyphosphide complexes [(Cp*Fe)(2)P-10{Sm-(eta(5)-C5Me4R)(2)}(2)] (Cp* = eta 5-C5Me5; R = Me, nPr) were prepared by reductive dimerization of [Cp*Fe(eta(5)-P-5)] with samarocenes. They are the first P-10 bridging 3d/4f metal complexes and the first examples of reductive coupling of polyphosphide complexes by divalent lanthanides.