Reactions of M[(5-C5Me5)Fe(CO)2] with ClSiMe2NR2 in THF, Et2O and toluene (M = Li and K; R = Me, Et, iPr and Ph)

Treatment of K[Cp*Fe(CO)2](Cp*=5-C5Me5) with ClSiMe2NR2(R = Me, Et, iPr, Ph) in THF afforded Cp*(CO)2Fe (CH2)4OSiMe2NR2 accompanied with ring-opening and incorporation of a THF molecule between iron and silicon atoms. On the other hand, reactions between Li[Cp*Fe(CO)2] and ClSiMe2NR2 in diethyl ether (for R = Me, Et), or in toluene in the presence of N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)(for R =iPr, Ph) afforded the corresponding Cp*(CO)2FeSiMe2NR2(R = Me, Et, iPr, Ph), where the anionic complex was freshly prepared by treatment of Cp*(CO)2FeH with n-BuLi. In the case of the reaction of Li[Cp*Fe(CO)2] with ClSiMe2NPh2, although the formation of the diphenylamino derivative Cp*(CO)2FeSiMe2NPh2 was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, purification of the product was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the exclusive formation of Cp*(CO) 2FeSiMe2NPh2 was achieved by means of irradiation of Cp*(CO)2FeMe and HSiMe2NPh2 in toluene.