Bis(cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron) as a Convenient Carbon Monoxide Source in Palladium-catalyzed Carbonylative Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Amines, Alcohols, and Thiols

Bis(cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron) ([CpFe(CO)2]2) serves as a carbon monoxide source in carbonylative coupling reactions. Treatment of aryl iodides with primary amines in the presence of DBU and [CpFe(CO)2]2 under palladium catalysis provides the corresponding benzamides in good yields. Similar reactions with phenols and thiols provide the corresponding benzoate esters and thioesters, respectively. A catalytic amount of DMAP as an additive promoted the carbonylative coupling reactions with primary alcohol and secondary amine.