(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl

(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl is a coordination complex with the formula Fe(CO)₄(PPh₃) (Ph = C₆H₅). An off-white solid, this complex is derived from iron pentacarbonyl by replacement of one carbonyl ligand by triphenylphosphine (PPh₃).

(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl

Identifiers
CAS Number	35679-07-3
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	4807513
PubChem CID	518983
InChI InChI=1S/C18H15P.4CO.Fe/c1-4-10-16(11-5-1)19(17-12-6-2-7-13-17)18-14-8-3-9-15-18;4*1-2;/h1-15H;;;;; Key: GHXDZMLBRWBQAM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].C1=CC=C(C=C1)P(C2=CC=CC=C2)C3=CC=CC=C3.[Fe]
Properties
Chemical formula	C22H15FeO4P
Molar mass	430.177 g·mol−1
Appearance	white solid
Melting point	262–266 °C (504–511 °F; 535–539 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Synthesis and use

The title complex can be prepared by reaction of iron pentacarbonyl or triiron dodecacarbonyl with triphenylphosphine:^[1]

Fe₃(CO)₁₂ + 3 P(C₆H₅)₃ → 3 Fe(CO)₄(P(C₆H₅)₃)

The substitution is catalyzed by cobalt chloride.^[2]

(Triphenylphosphine)iron tetracarbonyl is an intermediate in the synthesis of bis(triphenylphosphine)iron tricarbonyl. Both the mono- and bis(triphenylphosphine) complexes were originally employed in pioneering research on homogeneous catalysis by Walter Reppe.^[3]