Atom transfer radical polymerization by solvent-stabilized (MeTACN)FeX: a practical access to reusable iron() catalysts

A new Fe( ii ) complex (Me 3 TACN)FeBr 2 (κ-NCMe), which is stabilized by a weakly coordinating solvent, was prepared as an efficient and reusable catalyst for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene, MMA, and BA. The complex was conveniently generated from either [(Me 3 TACN)Fe(μ-Br) 3 (Me 3 TACN)] + [Br] − or a mixture of FeBr 2 and Me 3 TACN in MeCN. A new Fe( ii ) complex, (Me 3 TACN)FeBr 2 (κ-NCMe), was prepared as an efficient and reusable catalyst for atom transfer radical polymerization.