C-Halide bond cleavage by a two-coordinate iron(i) complex

Abstract

Iron(I) species are debated as key intermediates during the C-halide activation step in Kumuda type C–C cross-coupling catalysis. However, there is only limited knowledge on the reactivity of isolable iron(I) complexes towards organohalides. Using the known two-coordinate iron(I) complex K{18c6}[Fe^I(N(SiMe₃)₂)₂] we disclose its proficiency to rapidly cleave different types of carbon halide bonds including even C–F bonds. Mechanistic studies indicate stepwise one-electron processes with the involvement of organoradicals.