Molecular self assembly: temperature controlled reversible formation of a bicyclo[2.2.2]organoiron complex via consecutive organometal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and isocyanide insertion reactions

Abstract

In a unique temperature dependent reversible reaction, the bicyclo[2.2.2]organoiron complex 8 is assembled from three molecular components, i.e. the Fe(CNR)₃(α-diimine) complex 1b, dimethyl maleate and 2,6-xylyl isocyanide, and disassembled again via consecutive organometal 1,3-dipolar concerted cycloaddition–reversion and isocyanide insertion–deinsertion reactions.