Eta4-pyrone iron(0)carbonyl complexes as effective CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs)

The CO-releasing properties of iron(0)tricarbonyl complexes bearing a 2-pyrone ligand have been evaluated. In this report, we demonstrate that the intrinsic stability of the (eta4-2-pyrone)Fe(CO)3 complex influences the extent and rate of CO release, which is affected by the presence of a halogen substituent on the 2-pyrone ring. The cell viability index has been highlighted for the active carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), demonstrating that these complexes and related derivatives are a promising new class of compounds with potential therapeutic applications.