Convenient synthesis of new water-soluble monosubstituted functional ferrocene derivatives

Two new water-soluble monosubstituted functional ferrocene derivatives, p-ferrocenyl benzene sulfonic acid (BSAFc) and 4-ferrocenyl-1,1′-azobenzene-3,4′-disulfonic acid (AYFc), were prepared in aqueous media according to the self-designed synthetic route. 1H NMR, FT-IR and element analysis data demonstrated the structures of the target products. UV-Vis spectra and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements explained the characteristics of their structures. The CVs in different concentration and type of anion existing in the solution showed the electrochemical stability of BSAFc and AYFc.