Abstract
The high-yield synthesis of trans-Fe(CO)3L2 (L = PPh3, PPh2 H, P(n-Bu)3, PPh2 CH=CH, PPh2Me) can be acheived in one step by the reaction of Fe(CO), with L and NaOH in refluxing n-butanol. The reaction is selective for trans disubstitued complexes and is complete in 2 h.