Iron(0) mediated C–H activation of 1-hexyne: a mechanistic study using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy

Photolysis of an iron tricarbonyl complex in the presence of 1-hexyne results in the activation of the terminal C–H bond to yield an iron–alkynyl species. The reaction proceeds through a single transition state with an activation enthalpy of 13.5 kcal mol−1. The resulting molecule may have potential as a C–C bond formation reagent.