(Benzylideneacetone)iron tricarbonyl

The organometallic compound (benzylideneacetone)iron tricarbonyl is a widely employed reagent for transferring the Fe(CO)3 unit to other organic molecules. This red-colored compound is commonly abbreviated (bda)Fe(CO)3. It is prepared by the reaction of Fe2(CO)9 with benzylideneacetone, typically in refluxing ethoxyethane. The identity and purity of the compound can be determined by its IR spectrum: it absorbs strongly at 2065, 2005, 1985 cm−1, in cyclohexane solution.

Related Fe(CO)3 transfer agents
A popular source of Fe(CO)3 is the simplest, Fe2(CO)9. Alternatively, Fe(CO)3(cyclooctene)2 is highly reactive, the trade-off being that it is thermally sensitive. Imine derivatives of cinnamaldehyde, e.g. C6H5CH=CHC(H)=NC6H5, form conveniently reactive Fe(CO)3 adducts, which have been shown to be superior in some ways to (bda)Fe(CO)3.

(bda)Fe(CO)3 reacts with Lewis bases to give adducts without displacement of the bda.