Synthesis of a phosphavinyl complex via shift of a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl from phosphorus to iron

Abstract

The reaction of the phosphaalkene (μ1-Me5C5)P=C(SiMe3)2 with Fe2(CO)9 affords the μ1 (P-bonded) complex (μ1-Me5C5)[(CO)4Fe]P=C(SiMe3)2 (4). Photolysis of 4 produces the phosphavinyl complex [Fe-{μ1-P=C(SiMe3)2}(η5-Me5C5)(CO)2] (5). Compound 5 can also be prepared via the metathetical reaction of (Me3Si)2C=PCl with K[Fe(η5-Me5C5)(CO)2]. The structure of 5 has been determined by X-ray crystallography.