Easy coupling of µ-methylene groups in di-(µ-methylene )-dicobalt complexes: model reactions for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Abstract

Carbon–carbon coupling reactions occur at room temperature in reactions of [Co₂(CO)₄(µ-CH₂)₂(µ-dppm)](dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) with alkynes to give ethene and [Co₂(CO)₄(µ-RCCR)(µ-dppm)], with ethene to give propene, and, at higher temperature, with hydrogen to give ethane.