Synthesis of Aryliron Complexes [CpFe(CO)2Ar] by Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions of [CpFe(CO)2I] with Arylzinc, -Boron, or -Indium Reagents

Transmetalation between [CpFe(CO)2I] and arylzinc iodide-lithium chloride complexes proceeds in the presence of catalytic amounts of palladium acetate and N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-1,2-cyclohexanediamine to yield the corresponding aryliron complexes [CpFe(CO)2Ar]. Phenylation of [CpFe(CO)2I] also takes place when triphenylindium is used under similar conditions. Arylboronic acids undergo arylation in the presence of cesium carbonate and a palladium-N-heterocyclic carbene complex, PEPPSI. The present methods are useful for the facile synthesis of various functionalized [CpFe(CO)2Ar]. The products [CpFe(CO)2Ar] represent an interesting class of aryl metals that undergo several transformation.