Complexes containing ferrocenyl groups as redox spectators; synthesis, molecular structure and co-ordination behaviour of 4′-ferrocenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

Abstract

The new ligand 4′-ferrocenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine L has been prepared in good yield from ferrocenecarbaldehyde by two different routes. The crystal and molecular structure of L has been determined [monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a= 7.905(2), b= 22.045(4), c= 11.394(2)Å, β= 107.10(3)°, Z= 4, R= 0.034 for 2486 independent reflections]. The co-ordination behaviour of L has been studied and the homoleptic complexes [ML₂][PF₆]₂(M = Co, Fe or Ru) prepared and characterised. In addition, the heteroleptic complex [RuL(terpy)][PF₆]₂(terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) has been prepared. All of these complexes are redox active.