Synthesis of hexametallic CH2{(eta(5)-C5H4)Fe(CO)(2)SnPh2(eta(5)-C5H5)Fe(CO)(2)}(2)

The hexametallic complex CH2{(eta(5)-C5H4)Fe(CO)(2)SnPh2(eta(5)-C5H5)Fe(CO) (2)}(2) (3), has been synthesised and its crystal structure determined to e xemplify Fe-Sn-Fe bond formation in related polymer systems. A potentially similar product was anticipated from the reaction of [(CH2{(eta(5)-C5H4)Fe( CO)(2)}(2)](2-) and Ph2SnCl2, however the cyclic complex {CH2(eta(5)-C5H5)F e(CO)(2)}(2)SnPh2 (7), was isolated. The crystal structure of complex 7 sho ws that there is considerable strain in the ring containing the metal atoms . (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.