Anion-dependent micelle formation using electro-generated ferrocene surfactants

The syntheses and characterization of two ferrocene oils, 4-octyloxy-2-{5-[1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-3-(11-oxo-11-ferrocenyl-undecyl)-disiloxanyl]-pentyloxy}-benzoic acid 4′-undecyloxy-biphenyl-4-yl ester, Fc1SiM and an octakis(ferrocene) species, Fc8Si8M′ are reported, and their biphasic aqueous voltammetry contrasted. Surprisingly, both hydrophobic species undergo single-wave electrochemical dissolution. This can be advantageous to electroanalytical applications.