Oxidative demetalation of Fischer alkoxy carbene complexes with stoichiometric pyridine N-oxide and NaBH4-promoted demetalation of Fischer iminocarbene complexes with sulfur and selenium

Oxidative demetalation of Fischer alkoxy carbene complexes with stiochiometric pyridine N-oxide were efficiently realized to generate ester products or stepwisely demetalated products under controlled mild conditions. In the presence of NaBH4, reactions of Fischer iminocarbene complexes with elemental sulfur or selenium regioselectively formed thione or selone derivatives.