Utilizing the weak P–Cr bond in [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}2(µ,η1:1‐P4)] for the generation of different P4 butterfly compounds

A novel reactivity of [{Cp*Cr(CO) 3 } 2 (µ,η 1:1 ‐P 4 )] (Cp* = C 5 Me 5 ; 1 ) is reported, which utilizes the selective cleavage of the two P–Cr bonds and subsequently initiates a substituent exchange yielding P 4 butterfly compounds. By means of NMR and IR spectroscopy studies, the successful implementation of 1 to obtain [{Cp‴Fe(CO) 2 } 2 (µ,η 1:1 ‐P 4 )] (Cp‴ = C 5 H 2 t Bu 3 ; 2 ) and Cp‴ 2 P 4 ( 3 ) could be confirmed, by reacting 1 with 2.0 eq. of K[Cp‴Fe(CO) 2 ] or NaCp‴, respectively. Hereby, a quantitative conversion could be detected alongside the formation of 2.0 eq. of the [Cp*Cr(CO) 3 ] ‐ anion. Moreover, various syntheses of novel organometallic and organo‐P 4 butterfly compounds were examined and first results show that the generation of different compounds should be possible. However, the isolation and stabilization of these sensitive molecules proves to be a major challenge.