P=N bond formation via incomplete N-atom transfer from a ferrous amide precursor

Incomplete N-atom transfer from Fe to P is observed when the ferrous amide complex (PNP)Fe(dbabh) (PNP-=N2-P(iPr)2-4-methylphenyl]2, dbabh=2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene), prepared from salt metathesis of (PNP)FeCl and Li(dbabh), is thermolyzed at 70 degrees C over 48 h in C6D6. Several plausible reaction pathways resulting from the transformation of (PNP)Fe(dbabh) are discussed, including the possibility of an Fe(IV) nitride as an intermediate.