Diiron propane-1,2-dithiolate complexes with monosubstituted tris(3-chlorophenyl)phosphine or tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine: synthesis, characterization, crystal structures, and electrochemistry

Two diiron propane-1,2-dithiolate complexes with monosubstituted tris(3-chlorophenyl)phosphine or tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of the parent complex [Fe2(CO)6{μ-SCH2CH(CH3)S}] (1) with tris(3-chlorophenyl)phosphine or tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine and Me3NO·2H2O as the decarbonylating agent afforded complexes [Fe2(CO)5P(3-C6H4Cl)3{µ-SCH2CH(CH3)S}] (2) and [Fe2(CO)5P(4-C6H4CF3)3{µ-SCH2CH(CH3)S}] (3) in 82% and 77% yields, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, the electrochemical properties have been studied by cyclic voltammetry.