Organometalloidal derivatives of the transition metals : V. A 1,2-alkyl shift from lead to a transition metal

The complexes (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂PbR₃ (R = Me and Et) have been synthesized and characterized. The trimethyllead complex is extremely labile with respect to thermal and photochemical decomposition that leads to the formation of (Me)₄Pb, Pb, and (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂Me. This new type of methyl transfer from Pb to Fe does not occur for the triethyllead complex thermally, but does occur to a limited extent photochemically, and helps explain certain zinc treatments for removal of organolead compounds from industrial effluents.