Conversion of alkynes to cyclic imides and anhydrides using reactive iron carbonyls prepared from Fe(CO) < inf > 5 < /inf > and Fe < inf > 3 < /inf > (CO) < inf > 12 < /inf >

Abstract

Alkyne-iron carbonyl complexes, prepared using Fe(CO)5-NaBH4-CH3COOH-amine-alkyne and Fe3(CO)12-amine-alkyne reagent systems, react with excess of amine at 25 °C to give cyclic imides in moderate to good yields. Further, unsaturated iron carbonyl species, prepared using the Fe(CO)5-pyridine-N-oxide system, react with alkynes to give the corresponding anhydrides. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.