Alkyne–iron carbonyl complexes, prepared using Fe (CO) 5–NaBH4–CH3COOH–amine– alkyne and Fe3 (CO) 12–amine–alkyne reagent systems, react with excess of amine at 25° C to give cyclic imides in moderate to good yields. Further, unsaturated iron carbonyl species, prepared using the Fe (CO) 5–pyridine-N-oxide system, react with alkynes to give the corresponding anhydrides.