Desulfurization of N,N-dimethylthioformamide (Me(2)NCHS) by hydrosilane has been achieved under photo irradiation in the presence of a methyl iron complex. The reaction sequences have been proposed, in which silyl migration from Fe to S of thioformamide triggers the cleavage of a C=S bond to give a carbene-iron complex. This intermediate was isolated and characterized by X-ray analysis.

Secondary thioamides were converted into imines as the major products using hydrosilane in the presence of an iron catalyst. An iron carbene complex with a silyl thiolato ligand was isolated as one of the intermediates of the catalytic cycle and was characterized by X-ray analysis.

ABSTRACT:The reaction of imine (RN=CHPh)