Synthesis of 1,2-dicyanoferrocene by cyanation reactions

We report two synthetic pathways for the preparation of 1,2-dicyanoferrocene, in a search for new dinitrile-based precursors that could be useful in the synthesis of metallocene-containing azaporphyrins, as well as in catalysis. Both procedures include cyanation reactions as the key steps. Magnesiation of cyanoferrocene, followed by reaction with electrophilic tosyl cyanide, affords the target compound in only two synthetic steps from ferrocene. In addition, 1,2-dicyanoferrocene can be prepared by a three step procedure, which implies a twofold cyanation of 1,2-dibromoferrocene, using Zn(CN)[Formula: see text], in a biphasic medium and in the presence of bulky [Formula: see text]-BuXPhos-Pd-G3.

Cyanoferrocenes as redox-active metalloligands for coordination-driven self-assembly

Ferrocene-based Lewis bases have found utility as metalloligands in a wide variety of applications. The coordination chemistry of cyanoferrocenes however, is underexplored. Herein, we describe a new synthetic protocol for the generation of cyanoferrocenes. The coordination chemistry of these metalloligands to [Cu(NCMe)4][PF6], [(PPh3)2Cu(NCMe)2][PF6] and [(dppf)Cu(NCMe)2][PF6] salts has been explored, providing crystallographic evidence of cluster and polymeric forms of 1,1'- and 1,2-dicyanoferrocene complexes. The stability of the complexes and ligand dissociation were found to be strongly solvent-dependent.