Electron-rich cations: preparation and hydride reductions of the cations [Fe(η5-C5H5){PhP(CH2CH2PPh2)2}]+, [Fe(η5-C5H5){MeC(CH2PPh2)3}]+, and [Fe(η5-C5H5){C(CH2PPh2)4}]+

Abstract

The synthesis of the cations [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅){PhP(CH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂}]⁺, [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅){MeC(CH₂PPh₂)₃}]⁺, and [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅){C(CH₂PPh₂)₄}]⁺ as hexafluorophosphate salts is described. These cations are reduced regioselectively by lithium aluminium hydride to give the corresponding iron hydride species by direct attack on iron. The mechanisms of these reductions are discussed.