Synthesis, structure and stability of fac-[FeII(CO)3X3]1− (X = Br, I)

fac-[FeII(CO)3X3]1− (X = Br, I) are synthesized and their structures have been determined. They are the first crystallographically characterized iron tricarbonyl trihalide complexes. fac-[FeII(CO)3X3]1− (X = Br, I) are fairly thermally stable and therefore lead themselves as excellent starting materials for the preparation of various iron carbonyl complexes since both the halide and carbonyl ligands are substitutionally labile.