Iron dodecacarbonyl (Fe2​(CO)12​) is a chemical compound composed of iron (Fe) atoms coordinated with carbon monoxide (CO) ligands. It is an example of a metal carbonyl complex, which consists of metal atoms bonded to carbon monoxide molecules. Iron dodecacarbonyl is a well-known compound in the field of coordination chemistry.

Here are a few key points about iron dodecacarbonyl:

1. Structure: Iron dodecacarbonyl consists of two iron atoms (Fe2​) at its core, with each iron atom bonded to six carbon monoxide (CO) ligands, resulting in a total of twelve CO ligands.
2. Preparation: It is typically prepared by heating iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5​) in the presence of carbon monoxide gas. The reaction results in the replacement of one CO ligand in each iron pentacarbonyl molecule with a new CO ligand, forming the dodecacarbonyl complex.
3. Properties: Iron dodecacarbonyl is a volatile, colorless, and highly toxic compound. It is notable for being a convenient source of pure carbon monoxide gas, which is often used in laboratory settings.
4. Applications: One of the primary uses of iron dodecacarbonyl is as a source of carbon monoxide for various chemical reactions and processes. Carbon monoxide is used in industrial processes such as the production of metal carbonyls, synthesis of acetic acid, and in some organic transformations.
5. Reactivity: The CO ligands in iron dodecacarbonyl can be labile, meaning they can be displaced by other ligands in reactions, leading to the formation of new metal carbonyl complexes.

Due to its toxicity and hazardous nature, iron dodecacarbonyl should be handled with caution in a controlled environment, and safety protocols should be followed.