Abstract
Synthetic applications of triiron dodecacarbonyl, Fe3 (CO)12, are described together with its preparation and properties. Treatment of olefinic compounds with Fe3 (CO)3 can lead to the isomerization of a particular double bond and other synthetically useful transformations through the formation of tricarbonyliron complexes. α, β-Unsaturated ketones and imines undergo various types of cyclodimerizations through the formation of heterodiene tricarbonyliron complexes upon treatment with Fe3 (CO)3. These cyclodimerizations afford four-, five -, and six-membered ring systems, depending on the structure of enones and imines. Polynuclear anionic carbonyliron complexes derived from Fe3 (CO)12 effectively reduce nitro, imino and aldehyde groups.
