Alkylation of (eta(6)-arene)Mn(CO)(3) cations with organozinc reagents

Additions of allylic and benzylic zinc reagents to (eta (6)-arene)Mn(CO)(3) cations proceed in an anti fashion to give the C-6 allylic- and benzylic-s ubstituted (eta (5)-cyclohexadienyl)Mn(CO)(3) neutral complexes, respective ly. The reaction of less reactive primary organozinc reagents bearing an es ter or a cyano group with the cations affords the a-alkylation products. Tr eatment of the organozinc reagent containing an acetoxy group with (eta (6) -benzene)Mn(CO)(3)(+) complex in THF results in alkylation of the cation at the C-2 position of THF.