Ionization of the FeX bond in polar solvents: A spectroscopic study of CpFe(dppe)X complexes

Abstract

Electronic absorption spectra for complexes CpFe(dppe)X [with X = Cl, I and CN; dppe = (Ph)2PCH2CH2P(Ph)2; Cp = η5-C5H5] and the cationic derivative [CpFe(dppe)NCCH3]PF6 in different solvents have been measured. The lower energy bands were assigned to iron d-d orbital transitions on the bais of intensities, solvent effects ad extended Hückel MO calculations. The complexes CpFe(dppe)X (with X = Cl and I) undergo ionization in polar solvents to give the cationic solvated species [CpFe(dppe) (solvent)]+. This behaviour can be explained on the basis of the theoretical calculations. © 1993.