Binuclear Fe-complexes as catalysts for the ligand-free regioselective allylic sulfenylation

Chem Commun (Camb). 2011 Oct 21;47(39):11113-5. doi: 10.1039/c1cc14599a. Epub 2011 Sep 12.

Abstract

Binuclear Fe-complexes that are readily prepared by treating Bu(4)N[Fe(CO)(3)(NO)] with an excess of thiol or from Fe-salts under reductive conditions are potent catalysts for the regioselective allylic sulfenylation. Low catalyst loadings of only 0.25 mol% and reaction temperatures of only 40 °C allow for the coupling of functionalized allylic starting materials with functionalized mercaptans in good yield with full retention of the configuration.