Bis(cyclooctatetraene)iron
Bis(cyclooctatetraene)iron is an organoiron compound with the formula Fe(C8H8)2, abbreviated Fe(COT)2. It is an air-sensitive black solid that is soluble in diethyl ether and aromatic solvents. The compound decomposes in solution after a few days even under inert atmosphere.[2] It has no known practical applications but has been studied as a soluble source of Fe(0).
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3D model (JSmol) |
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PubChem CID |
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Properties | |
C16H16Fe | |
Molar mass | 264.149 g·mol−1 |
Density | 1.42 (from structure) |
Structure | |
Monoclinic | |
Cc or C2/c | |
a = 15.13, b = 10.68, c = 13.98 | |
Formula units (Z) |
12 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references |
Preparation
The laboratory synthesis of Fe(COT)2, using Schlenk techniques, involves reduction of ferric acetylacetonate by triethylaluminium in the presence of 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene:[2]
- Fe(C5H7O2)3 + 2 C8H8 + 3 Al(C2H5)3 → Fe(C8H8)2 + 3 Al(C2H5)2(C5H7O2) + 3⁄2 C2H4 + 3⁄2 C2H6
Structure
According to analysis by single crystal X-ray crystallography, the two cyclooctatetraene rings bind differently to the Fe center, leading to the description Fe(η4-C8H8)(η6-C8H8). One cyclooctatetraene ring binds to Fe with two adjacent double bonds. This interaction is similar to that in (η4-C8H8)Fe(CO)3. The two planar groups formed by carbon atoms 1,2,7,8 and carbon atoms 3,4,5,6,7 form a dihedral angle of 33°. The second cyclooctatetraene ring binds through three double bonds. The shape and coordination of the lower ring is similar to that in (η6-C8H8)Mo(CO)3. The non-coordinated double bond has a similar bond length as an ordinary double bond.[1]
In solution, Fe(C8H8)2 is a fluxional molecule such that its 1H NMR spectrum consists of a singlet at room-temperature.[1]
References
- Allergra, G.; Colmbo, A.; Immirzi, A.; Bassi, I. W. (1968). "The Crystal Structure of Bis(cyclooctatetraene)iron". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 90 (16): 4454–4456. doi:10.1021/ja01018a046.
- Gerlach, D. H.; Schunn, R. A. (1974). "Bis(1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene)iron(0)". Bis(1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene)iron(0). Inorganic Syntheses. Vol. 15. pp. 1–4. doi:10.1002/9780470132463.ch1. ISBN 9780470131763.