Synthesis and studies of dehydro-NN′N″-trialkylguanidinohexacarbonyldi-iron(0)

Abstract

Reaction of dialkylcarbodi-imides with Fe(CO)₅ affords novel compounds having the general formula C(NR)₃Fe₂-(CO)₆(R = Prⁱ, C₆H₁₁). Acid hydrolysis indicates that the trialkylguanidine moiety is present in the complex, and is attached through nitrogen atoms to a Fe₂(CO)₆ group, which contains an Fe–Fe bond. I.r., n.m.r., and mass spectral data are consistent with the formulation of the ligand as a dehydrotrialkylguanidine. A possible mechanism for formation of the product is proposed.