Mixed valence triiron complexes from the conjugation of [FeFe] and [Fe] complexes intermolecular carbyne/alkyne coupling.

We present a new synthetic strategy for obtaining mixed-valence triiron complexes where the metal centers are bridged by a novel, highly functionalized hydrocarbyl ligand. The alkynyl-vinyliminium complexes [FeCp(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η:η-C(X-CCH)CHCNMe}]CFSO (X = 4-CH, [2a1]CF3SO3; X = (CH), [2a2]CF3SO3) were synthesized in almost quantitative yields from the aminocarbyne precursor [FeCp(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CNMe}]CFSO, [1a]CF3SO3, and the di-alkynes HCC-X-CCH. Then, the ferracycle [Fe(Cp)(CO){C(NMe)CHC(4-CHCCH)C(O)}], 4a1, was produced in 47% yield from the cleavage of [2a1]CF3SO3 promoted by pyrrolidine. Subsequent reactions of the acetonitrile adducts [FeCp(CO)(μ-CO)(NCMe){μ-CNMe(R)}]CFSO (R = Me, [1aACN]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [1bACN]CF3SO3) ([FeFe]) with 4a1 ([Fe]) at room temperature resulted in the formation of [FeFeFe] complexes [FeCp(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η:η-C(X-CCHC(NMe)FeCp(CO)CO)CHCNMe(R)}]CFSO (R = Me, [5a1]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [5b1]CF3SO3) in yields ranging from 56% to 64%. The new products were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of [2a2]CF3SO3 and 4a1 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical studies on [5a1]+ have revealed that reduction and oxidation events occur almost independently at the [FeFe] and [Fe] units, respectively. This observation underscores a minimal electronic interaction between the two fragments within the triiron complex. Accordingly, DFT studies pointed out that the HOMO and LUMO orbitals are predominantly localized in the two distinct compartments of [5a1]+.