Reductive polymerisation of carbon monoxide: synthesis of entirely CO-derived pentanoic acid
Abstract
[(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(PMe3)Me], obtained from hydride reduction of [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2(PMe3)]+PF6–, undergoes clean homologation on successive treatment with CO and BH3 to give after four carbonylations [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(PMe3)COBun] which on oxidation yields entirely CO-derived pentanoic acid.