Monodeprotection of two dimethyl phosphate derivatives with trimethylamine led to the tetramethylammonium salts of the (cyclohexadienyl methyl phosphate)Fe(CO)3 complexes. These compounds are the first water-soluble enzyme-trigged CO-releasingmolecules (ET-CORMs). The phosphatase-induced CO release was monitored by means of GC. The biological activity was assessed in different cellular assays. The compounds were
Lithiated 1,3-dieneâiron complexes undergo a CO insertion in the presence of trimethyl phosphite via a ferrate intermediate to give 3-formyl or 3-acetyl-1,3-diene-Fe(CO)2P(OMe)3 complexes. Formylation proceeds when the reaction is quenched by a strong Brønsted acid, whereas the ketone is obtained after the treatment with iodomethane.