Synthesis of Isomeric Ethyl Tolylcyanoacetates Using Organo-Iron Complexes

Abstract

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution of isomeric chlorotoluenes complexed to the cyclopentadienyliron moiety with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of K₂CO₃ in DMF results in the formation of the isomeric ethyl tolylcyanoacetate complexes. Photolysis of these complexes leads to the formation of the title compounds in high yields.