Abstract N-benzyloxypiperidine exhibits an unexpected type of reactivity toward Fe 2 (CO) 9. Benzaldehyde and N-formylpiperidine are formed, most probably in a concerted manner, as revealed by deuterium-labeling experiments. Several mechanistic details of this reaction have been elucidated. The nature of the reaction contrasts with that of N-propyloxy-N- methylaniline, which upon treatment with Fe 2 (CO) 9 undergoes insertion of a CO group ...
