Reduction of substituted cyclopropenes by [Fe(H)H2(Me2PCH2CH2PMe2)2][BPh4], and the validity of these reactions as models for nitrogenase function

Abstract

The complex [FeH(H₂)(Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂)₂][BPh₄] reacts with various substituted cyclopropenes to give mixtures of propenes and cyclopropanes. No further acid is required and the solvent, acetone, appears to be a ready source of protons. The only iron-containing product isolated is [{FeH(Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂)₂}₂(µ-Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂)][BPh₄]₂, the structure of which was determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Evidence that a direct iron–cyclopropene interaction is necessary for hydrocarbon reduction to occur is outlined and the validity of this iron system as a model for nitrogenase function is assessed.