Synthesis and characterization of amine complexes of the cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl complex cation, [Cp(CO)2Fe]+

► The reaction of [Cp(CO)2Fe]BF4 with Et2O at <0 °C leads to [Cp(CO)2Fe(Et2O)]BF4. ► [Cp(CO)2Fe(Et2O)]BF4 is an excellent precursor for [Cp(CO)2Fe]+ complexes. ► [Cp(CO)2Fe(NH2(CH2)nCH3)]BF4 was prepared from [Cp(CO)2Fe(Et2O)]BF4. ► [{Cp(CO)2Fe}2μ-NH2(CH2)nNH2](BF4)2 was also prepared from [Cp(CO)2Fe(Et2O)]BF4. ► Crystal packing of [Cp(CO)2Fe(NH2(CH2)nCH3)]BF4 (n = 2, 3) shows hydrogen bonding.