Spontaneous Resolution by Crystallization of an Octanuclear Iron(III) Complex Using Only Racemic Reagents

The P and M enantiomers of the octanuclear [Fe₈(μ₄‐O)₄(μ‐4‐Cl‐pz)₁₂Cl₄] complex, having T symmetry, were resolved by temporary substitution of chloride ligands by racemic 4‐^sBu‐phenolates and subsequent crystallization, where the (S)‐ and (R)‐phenolates coordinate selectively to the M and P complexes, respectively. The complexes were characterized by circular dichroism analysis and X‐ray structure determination. This work constitutes a rare example of enantiomeric recognition resulting in spontaneous resolution upon crystallization.