Novel [3]ferrocenophanes: Syntheses, redox properties and molecular structures of [Fe{(η5-C5H4)CMe2}2PR] (R = Ph, Cy)

The [3]ferrocenophanes [Fe{(η5-C5H4)CMe2}2PR] [R = Ph, Cy] were obtained from Li[{(C5H4)CMe2}PR] and FeCl2 and characterised spectroscopically (1H, 13C, 31P, IR, MS), and by crystal structure determination. Electrochemical investigation on [Fe{(η5-C5H4)CMe2}2PPh] shows a reversible one-electron oxidation in CH2Cl2 solution.