Characterization and Novel Low-Temperature Reactions of FeCH2 and N2FeCH2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00232a004

The reactions of iron atoms with diazomethane have been investigated in argon matrices by FTIR matrix isolation spectroscopy.These studies show that iron atoms insert spontaneously into diazomethane to yield FeCH2 and N2FeCH2.Photolysis of the matrix at λ >/= 500 nm leads to the reductive elimination of iron from N2FeCH2.UV photolysis of the matrix results in the facile conversion of FeCH2 to HFeCH, whereas photolysis of the carbyne through a cutoff filter with λ >/= 400 nm leads to the reverse process.FeCH2 and N2FeCH2 react with dihydrogen to yield CH3FeH and N2CH3FeH, respectively, with N2FeCH2 reacting more rapidly than FeCH2.FeCH2 was found to react with water to yield CH3FeOH.