Spontaneous Resolution by Crystallization of an Octanuclear Iron(III) Complex Using Only Racemic Reagents

The P and M enantiomers of the octanuclear [Fe8(μ4‐O)4(μ‐4‐Cl‐pz)12Cl4] complex, having T symmetry, were resolved by temporary substitution of chloride ligands by racemic 4‐sBu‐phenolates and subsequent crystallization, where the (S)‐ and (R)‐phenolates coordinate selectively to the M and P complexes, respectively. The complexes were characterized by circular dichroism analysis and X‐ray structure determination. This work constitutes a rare example of enantiomeric recognition resulting in spontaneous resolution upon crystallization. Pärchenbildung: Lediglich racemische Reagenzien werden verwendet, um die spontane Racematspaltung der P‐ und M‐Enantiomere eines [Fe8]‐Komplexes mit T‐Symmetrie durch Kristallisation zu erreichen. Während der Kristallisation koordinieren die (S)‐ und (R)‐Phenolate selektiv an den M‐ bzw. P‐Komplex.