α,β-Unsaturated diimines as substrates in catalytic C–H activation reactions and as ligands in iron carbonyl complexes

Diimines derived from cinnamaldehyde and the corresponding diamines react with Fe2(CO)9 to form mono- or dinuclear iron carbonyl compounds with Fe(CO)3 moieties η4-coordinating either one or both α,β-unsaturated imine side chains. The same diimines in ruthenium catalyzed three component reactions with carbon monoxide and ethylene produce bis-dihydropyrrolone derivatives in almost quantitative yields.