Regioselective acylation of (5-alkylidene-1,3-cyclohexadiene)tricarbonyliron complexes by the reaction with organometallic reagents

Reaction of [(1,2,3,4-η)-5-alkylidene-1,3-cyclohexadiene]-tricarbonylirons and organometallic reagents generates acyl-[(1,2,3,4,5-η)-1-alkylcydohexadienyl]dicarbonylirons. The acyl group in these complexes migrates to the cyclohexadienyl moiety under carbon monoxide atmosphere, providing [(1,2,3,4-η)-6-acyl-2-alkyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene]tricarbonylirons, which are further transformed to m-alkylphenyl ketones by the oxidation with trimethylamine N-oxide.