Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Iron-stabilized carbocations as intermediates for organic synthesis
Transition metal complexes offer precise control over chemical reactions. Cationic iron-carbonyl complexes enable selective bond formation and stabilize reactive intermediates for natural product synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Transition metal moieties attached to olefinic ligands offer significant control over chemical reactions.
- Cationic dienyliron-carbonyl complexes are valuable tools in organic synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of cationic dienyliron-carbonyl complexes in natural product synthesis.
- To illustrate how the iron-carbonyl unit directs regio- and stereochemistry.
- To showcase the stabilization of carbocations by the iron-carbonyl unit.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cationic dienyliron-carbonyl complexes in multi-step syntheses.
- Investigating nucleophilic addition reactions directed by the iron-carbonyl moiety.
- Characterizing stabilized carbocation intermediates.
Main Results:
- Successful application of iron-carbonyl complexes in various natural product syntheses.
- Demonstrated control over regio- and stereochemistry of nucleophile addition.
- Generation and utilization of stabilized carbocations as synthetic intermediates.
Conclusions:
- Cationic dienyliron-carbonyl complexes are powerful reagents for controlling stereochemistry in synthesis.
- These complexes facilitate the synthesis of complex natural products.
- The iron-carbonyl unit's ability to stabilize carbocations expands synthetic possibilities.
Related Concept Videos
Carbocations
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Synthesis of α-Substituted Carbonyl Compounds: The Stork Enamine Reaction
Preparation of Carboxylic Acids: Carboxylation of Grignard Reagents
β-Dicarbonyl Compounds via Crossed Claisen Condensations

