Efficient carbene transfer reactivity mediated by Fe(II) complexes supported by bulky alkoxides.

ABSTRACT: Herein we describe the stoichiometric and catalytic carbene-transfer reactivity of iron(II) alkoxide complexes with iodonium ylide precursors. Treatment of PhIC(CO₂Me)₂ with styrene in the presence of catalytic amounts of several different Fe(OR)₂(THF)₂ precursors results in efficient cyclopropanation for a variety of styrenes. Computational and reactivity studies suggest a novel remote metallocarbene/vinyl radical intermediate, Fe(OR)₂(κ²-(OC(OMe))₂C), which could be responsible for the reactive nature of the catalyst.

SUBMITTER: Kulathungage LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11372682 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature