The Electrophilic Phosphinidene Complex iPr2N–PFe(CO)4 Trapped by Alkynes

The in-situ formation at −30°C of the electrophilic phosphinidene complex iPr2NPFe(CO)4, resulting from reaction of dichlorophosphine iPr2NPCl2 with Na2Fe(CO)4 (Collmanʹs reagent), was demonstrated by trapping reactions with various alkynes. The resulting phosphirenes were obtained in good yields. The reactivity of iPr2NPFe(CO)4 is less than that of PhPW(CO)5, which is, however, generated at much higher temperatures. The stabilization of iPr2NPFe(CO)4 in the reaction medium is discussed.