Synthesis of Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene-Stabilized Copper–Iron Heterobimetallic Complexes and Their Application in Pyridine Hydroboration

In this report, we synthesized heterobimetallic complexes supported by cyclic and bicyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAAC and EtBICAAC) [(Me2CAAC)CuFe(η5-C5H5)(CO)2](1) and [(EtBICAAC)CuFe(η5-C5H5)(CO)2] (2), respectively, featuring an iron–copper bond. Complex 1 demonstrates catalytic activity for selective 1,4-hydroboration reactions of pyridine derivatives. Detailed computational studies provide additional insights into the electronic structure of complexes 1 and 2 and elucidate the catalytic pathway.