It is prepared by the reaction of
Fe(CO) with
benzylideneacetone. (bda)Fe(CO) sometimes reacts with
Lewis bases to give adducts without displacement of the bda. The reagents of the type (bda)Fe(CO)(PR) function as sources of "Fe(CO)(PR)" (R = aryl, etc.). Other sources of Fe(CO) are Fe(CO) and Fe(CO)(
cyclooctene). The latter is highly reactive and thermally sensitive.
Imine derivatives of
cinnamaldehyde, e.g. CHCH=CHC(H)=NCH, also form reactive Fe(CO)
adducts, which have been shown to be superior in some ways to (bda)Fe(CO). ==References==