New Chemical and Stereochemical Applications of Organoiron Complexes

The objective of this review is to provide a current overview of the rapidly developing chemistry of organometallic complexes and particularly organoiron complexes useful in asymmetric and stereoselective reactions. Also covered are stereoselective reactions of α, β-unsaturated acyl ligands bound to the chiral auxiliary [(η5-C5H5) Fe(CO)(PPh3)] and new applications of organoiron complexes in the synthesis of natural products. The mechanistic aspects and stabilizing effects of the Fe(CO)3 group for alkenes or conjugated dienes are discussed. A brief summary of recent work on the special role of iron in biological reactions is also included.