The reaction of diiron nonacarbonyl with cis-bicyclo[6.2.0]deca-2,4,6-triene

The reaction of diiron nonacarbonyl with cis-bicyclo6.2.0]deca-2,4,6-triene in ether at room temperature produces several products which are separable by chromatography on alumina. Compound (A), C₁₀H₁₂Fe₂(CO)₆, obtained in 23% yield, is shown by PMR and IR spectra to have the FeFe bonded Fe₂(CO)₆ group attached to the triene portion of the starting bicyclotriene. Compound (B), C₁₀H₁₂Fe(CO)₃, obtained both from the initial reaction and by heating (A) in refluxing toluene; is the Fe(CO)₃ adduct of tricyclo4.4.0.0^2.5]deca-7,9-diene, a molecule which has not been isolated in the free state. Compound (C), also obtained on pyrolysis of (A) in minute yield, has not yet been characterized. Compound (D), C₁₀H₁₂Fe₂(CO)₆, from the original reaction, in small yield, appears to have separate Fe(CO)₃ groups bonded to the olefinic portions of a C₁₀H₁₂ monocycle, but spectral data alone do not allow a complete specification of the structure.