Tetramesityldiiron


Tetramesityldiiron is an organoiron compound with the formula Fe24. It is a red, air-sensitive solid that is used as a precursor to other iron complexes. It adopts a centrosymmetric structure. The complex is a Lewis acid, forming monomeric adducts, e.g. Fe2pyridine2. The complex is prepared by treating ferrous halides with the Grignard reagent formed from mesityl bromide: