Preparation of Arene Chromium Tricarbonyl Complexes Using Continuous-Flow Processing: (η6-C6H5CH3)Cr(CO)3 as an Example

A continuous-flow approach to the direct synthesis of arene chromium tricarbonyl complexes is presented. By working in flow mode, it is possible to avoid some of the problems of batch synthesis, especially sublimation of the Cr(CO)(6) starting material and the competitive decomposition of the product during the lengthy reaction times. Heating at 220 degrees C and operating with a residence time of 10 min through the heated zone allows for the synthesis of (eta(6)-C6H5CH3)Cr(CO)(3) as an example, along with a selection of other (arene)Cr(CO)(3) complexes.