Synthesis,structure and reactions of triply selenolate-bridged diiron complex [Cp*Fe(μ-SeMe)3FeCp*]

Two new iron–selenolate complexes Cp*Fe(μ-SeMe)₃FeCp*] (Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅) (1) and Cp*Fe(μ-SeMe)₃FeCp*]FeCl₃] (2) were prepared by the oxidative addition reaction of MeSeSeMe with Cp*FeCl]₂ in 25% and 20% yields, respectively. In refluxing toluene, the methyl groups in the selenolate ligands of complex 1 were removed, affording a cubane cluster Cp*₄Fe₄Se₄] (3) in 50% yield. Complex 1 was oxidized by HBF₄ to give Cp*Fe(μ-SeMe)₃FeCp*]BF₄] (4), and the reverse reduction reaction occurred in the presence of CoCp₂.