Synthesis of phosphiranes organoiron-catalyzed phosphinidene transfer to electron-deficient olefins.

Herein is reported the structural characterization and scalable preparation of the elusive iron-phosphido complex FpP( Bu)(F) (2-F, Fp = (Fe(η-CH)(CO))) and its precursor FpP( Bu)(Cl) (2-Cl) in 51% and 71% yields, respectively. These phosphide complexes are proposed to be relevant to an organoiron catalytic cycle for phosphinidene transfer to electron-deficient alkenes. Examination of their properties led to the discovery of a more efficient catalytic system involving the simple, commercially available organoiron catalyst Fp.