Behaviour of α-functional organotransition metals. Synthesis,characterisation and some reactions of 1-acetoxyalkyl derivatives of iron(II) and molybdenum(II)

Acetoxyalkyl metal derivatives M(C₅H₅)(CO)_nCHROC(O)Me] M = Fe, n = 2; M = Mo, n = 3; R = H, Me] are readily prepared by reaction of bromoalkylacetates with the appropriate cyclopentadienylcarbonylmetallate anion. The complexes are characterised by their NMR (¹H and ¹³C) and IR parameters and by mass spectrometry. The acetoxyethyl species are thermally labile via β-hydrogen transfer. Treatment of acetoxymethyl complexes with protic acids leads to carbon-oxygen cleavage and release of acetic acid; HCl affords chloromethyl complexes, carboxylic acids yield new carboxylatomethyl derivatives, HBF₄ leads to decomposition. The metalloesters are resistant to hydrolysis, transesterification and carboxylate displacement by nucleophiles (HO^?, MeO^?, H₂N^? Et₂N^?). Migratory insertion of CO could not be induced.