Formation of Acyliron Complexes CpFe(CO){P(OR)3}COR by Reaction of Silyliron Complexes CpFe(CO)2SiR3 with Alkylphosphites P(OR)3

Heating a toluene solution of CpFe(CO)2SiR3 (R3 = HMe2, HEt2, and FMe2) and excess P(ORʹ)3 (Rʹ = Me, Et, and Me-d3) at 80 °C resulted in the formation of an acyliron complex CpFe(CO){P(ORʹ)3}COR? in 25–40% yield: Hence the alkyl group of phosphite is transferred to the carbon of a carbonyl ligand to give an acyl ligand during the reaction.