Reactions of a terminal phosphido-group in an organo-iron complex. Part I. Some oxygen, sulphur, and selenium derivatives

Abstract

The monomeric phosphido-complex, (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂P(CF₃)₂, which is prepared from (CF₃)₂P·P(CF₃)₂ and [(π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂]₂, can be converted to (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂P(E)(CF₃)₂ by the action of nitric oxide (E = O), sulphur (E = S), or selenium (E = Se) Other routes to the sulphur compound have been devised. The action of u.v. radiation upon (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂P(CF₃)₂ gives the expected dimer in a trans-configuration, whereas (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂P(O)(CF₃), gives a new type of trimer, (C₅H₅) Fe₃(CO)₂[OP(CF₃)₂]₄, as the major product. Upon photolysis, (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂P(E)(CF₃)₂ give the isomeric complexes (π-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂EP(CF₃)₂(E = S or Se). The preparation of (π-C₅H₅) Fe(CO)₂SP(S)(CF₃)₂ from the sulphur complex is also reported. Spectro-scopic data for all the compounds prepared are discussed.