Meridional bicyclometalation with iron: a novel way of forming dianionic [C,N,C]-ligands

Bicyclometalation of aromatic substrates containing imine anchoring groups is achieved with a dimethyliron complex at –70 °C; azadiene systems undergo a regiospecific activation of 1,4-CH/N interchanged C–H bonds which may be aromatic or vinylic.