A new synthesis of iron(0) vinylketene complexes

Reaction of vinyllithium reagents generated from vinylstannanes [(E)-RCHCHSnBu3(R = Ph, SiPh3, SiMe3, n-C5H11), 1a–d] with [Fe(CO)4L](L = CO, PPh3) followed by an ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate quench gives vinylketene complexes [Fe0(CO)2L{RCHCHC(OEt)CO}] 2a–f, in a one-pot reaction sequence in 31–55% yield.