Carbonyl derivatives of iron(0) from the reaction of FeR2(bipy)2 (R=Me, Et) with carbon monoxide

The reaction of FeR2(bipy)2, R=Me, Et, with CO proceeds with reductive elimination of acetone or diethylketone and formation of carbonyl derivatives of iron(0). The nature of the carbonyl derivatives depends on the solvent, Fe2(bipy)2(CO)5 and Fe(bipy)(CO)3 being isolated in heptane and toluene, respectively. Conversion of Fe2(bipy)2(CO)5 to Fe(bipy)(CO)3 takes place in toluene under a CO atmosphere. The tricarbonyl derivative Fe(bipy)(CO)3, alternatively prepared by reaction of FeCl3 with Nabipy in DME under a CO atmosphere, was studied by X-ray diffraction methods.