Catalytic silane alcoholysis based on the C5H5(CO)(PPh3)Fe+ moiety.: NMR spectroscopic identification of key intermediates

The Cp(CO)(PPh3)Fe+ fragment has been shown to catalyze silane alcoholysis in the presence of the non-coordinating counterion, B Ar'(4)-(Ar' = 3,5-(CF3)(2)C6H3). When ethanol is used, catalyst deactivation rapidly occurs. However, when phenol is utilized, catalytic activity continues until all of the phenol has been consumed. In each case, key intermediates in the catalytic cycle, including resting states, have been observed using low temperature NMR spectroscopy. The modes of catalyst deactivation when ethanol is used have also been determined. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.