Synthesis and reactivity with amines of new diiron alkynyl methoxy carbene complexes

The new diiron alkynyl methoxy carbene complexes [Fe2{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){C(OMe)CCR′}(Cp)2]+ have been obtained following the traditional “Fischer synthesis”. These add amines selectively at the CC triple bond affording dinuclear species containing an enamino methoxy carbene ligand. When a proton is present on the enamino nitrogen, this can be reversibly removed to give a neutral vinyl imine complex.