The preparation, reactions, and infrared spectra of some derivatives of bis(tricarbonylnitrosyliron)mercury

Abstract

Complexes of the type [Hg{Fe(CO)₂(NO)L}₂][L = R₃P, (RO)₃P, R₃As, and R₃Sb; R = alkyl or aryl] have been prepared. They react with mercury(II) halides to give [XHgFe(CO)₂(NO)L] derivatives, some of which have been isolated (L = CO and PhEt₂As; X = Br and l). The i.r. spectra of both series of compounds indicate that they possess linear L–Fe–Hg–X systems [X = Cl, Br, I, and Fe(CO)₂(NO)L] with trigonal bipyramidal co-ordination about the iron atoms. The parent compound, [Hg{Fe(CO)₃NO}₂], dissociates completely in dimethyl sulphoxide solution to give the [Fe(CO)₃NO]^–ion. The substituted derivatives do not ionize.