Synthesis of Isomeric Ethyl Tolylcyanoacetates Using Organo-Iron Complexes

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution of isomeric chlorotoluenes complexed to the cyclopentadienyliron moiety with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of K2CO3 in DMF results in the formation of the isomeric ethyl tolylcyanoacetate complexes. Photolysis of these complexes leads to the formation of the title compounds in high yields.