S-alkylation of α-thioether iron compounds by [Ph3C]+ and [Fe(η-C5Me5)(CO)2(CH2)]+

Abstract

Treatment of the thiomethyl complexes [Fe(η-C₅Me₅)(CO)₂(CH₂SR)](R = Me or Ph) with [Ph₃C]⁺ or [Fe(η-C₅Me₅)(CO)₂(CH₂)]⁺ results in S-alkylation, affording the sulphonium salts [Fe(η-C₅Me₅)(CO)₂{CH₂S(R)CPh₃}]⁺ and [{Fe(η-C₅Me₅)(CO)₂CH₂}₂SR}]⁺ respectively; the former show promise as agents for methylene transfer to alkenes.