Bis(fulvalene)diiron


Bisdiiron is the organoiron complex with the formula 2Fe2. Structurally, the molecule consists of two ferrous centers sandwiched between fulvalene dianions. The compound is an orange solid with lower solubility in benzene than ferrocene. Its structure has been verified by X-ray crystallography. The compound has attracted some interest for its redox properties.

Preparation

It was first prepared by Ullmann coupling of 1,1'-diiodoferrocene using copper but subsequent work produces the complex is 20-40% yield from dilithiofulvalene and ferrous chloride:

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