(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl explained

(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl is a coordination complex with the formula Fe(CO)₄(PPh₃) (Ph = C₆H₅). An off-white solid, this complex is derived from iron pentacarbonyl by replacement of one carbonyl ligand by triphenylphosphine (PPh₃).

Synthesis and use

The title complex can be prepared by reaction of iron pentacarbonyl or triiron dodecacarbonyl with triphenylphosphine:^[1]

The substitution is catalyzed by cobalt chloride.^[2]

(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl is an intermediate in the synthesis of bis(triphenylphosphine)iron tricarbonyl. Both the mono- and bis(triphenylphosphine) complexes were originally employed in pioneering research on homogeneous catalysis by Walter Reppe.^[3]

References

1. Book: 10.1002/9780470132395.ch49. Iron Carbonyl Complexes of Triphenylphosphine, Triphenylarsine, and Triphenylstibine . 1966 . Clifford . A. F. . Mukherjee . A. K. . Inorganic Syntheses . 185–191 . VIII. 9780470131671 .
2. Book: 10.1002/9780470132579.ch12. Inorganic Syntheses. 1989. 26. Albers. Michel O.. Singleton. Eric. Coville. Neil J.. Tetracarbonyliron(0) Complexes Containing Group V Donor Ligands . 59–64. 9780470132579.
3. Walter. Reppe. Walter Joachim. Schweckendiek. 10.1002/jlac.19485600104. Cyclisierende Polymerisation von Acetylen. III Benzol, Benzolderivate und hydroaromatische Verbindungen. Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie. 1948. 560. 104–116.