Organometallic synthesis as a continuous process: The synthesis and isolation of Cr(CO)(5)(eta(2)-C3H6) and (C5R5)Mn(CO)(2)(eta(2)-C3H6) (R = H and Me) from superheated liquid propene

(C5R5)Mn(CO)(2)(eta (2)-C3H6) (R = H and Me) and Cr(CO)(5)(eta (2)-C3H6) ha ve been synthesized by UV photolysis of CpMn(CO)(3) and Cr(CO)(6) in liquid propene at 25 degreesC and 2100 psi pressure and by the thermal reaction o f Cp*Mn(CO)(2)(EVE) (EVE = ethyl vinyl ether) with propene. The propene com plexes are precipitated by rapid expansion through a back pressure regulato r. The precipitation leads to finely divided solid materials. Although thes e contain some residual starting materials, none of the compounds have prev iously been isolated as solids. All three compounds are significantly more stable in the solid state than in solution. The Cp* complex appears to be t hermally less stable than the Cp analog.