Unprecedented synthesis of iron–NHC complexes by C–H activation of imidazolium salts. Mild catalysts for reduction of sulfoxides?

Chemical Communications Pub Date: 2012-03-26 DOI: 10.1039/C2CC31564E

Abstract

A direct synthesis of bidentate cyclopentadienyl-functionalised NHC–iron(II) complexes by using imidazolium salts and commercially available Fe3(CO)12 is developed. These well-defined iron–NHC complexes efficiently catalyse the reduction of sulfoxides under mild conditions. Radical scavenging experiments indicate the presence of free radicals in the catalytic reaction.

Graphical abstract: Unprecedented synthesis of iron–NHC complexes by C–H activation of imidazolium salts. Mild catalysts for reduction of sulfoxides
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