Unprecedented synthesis of iron–NHC complexes by C–H activation of imidazolium salts. Mild catalysts for reduction of sulfoxides

Abstract

A direct synthesis of bidentate cyclopentadienyl-functionalised NHC–iron(II) complexes by using imidazolium salts and commercially available Fe₃(CO)₁₂ is developed. These well-defined iron–NHC complexes efficiently catalyse the reduction of sulfoxides under mild conditions. Radical scavenging experiments indicate the presence of free radicals in the catalytic reaction.