Iron(II) complexes with functionalized amine-pyrazolyl tripodal ligands in the cross-coupling of aryl Grignard with alkyl halides

Abstract

Structurally distinctive Fe(ii) complexes with furan, thiophene and pyridine functionalized amine-pyrazolyl tripodal hybrid ligands have been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The tether substituent at the central amine plays an active role in determining the coordination mode of the ligand and the metal geometry. All complexes are catalytically active towards cross-coupling of aryl Grignard reagents with primary and secondary alkyl halides with β-hydrogen under ambient conditions. ESI-MS spectra analysis revealed the ligand-stabilised Fe(ii) and Mg(ii) species. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011.