Remove the exit needle and nitrogen supply and cool the tube for 5-10 min. Wash the reaction mixture twice by decantation with 25 cm3 of petroleum ether (b.p. 30-40°C); this removes the unreacted Fe(-C5H5)(CO)2CH3 and some Ph3P but very little of the less soluble desired product.

Then add 40 cm3 of petroleum ether (b.p. 100-120°C), replace the stopper and flush with nitrogen for 5 min. Remove the nitrogen supply and warm the tube in a water bath at about 90°C. With occasional shaking, the bulk of the product dissolves after about 10 min.