Ethanol catalyzed synthesis of titanocene aryl carboxylate complexes and crystal structure of (η5-C5H5)2Ti(2-OH-5-S-O2CC6H3)2

► The reaction mechanism catalyzed synthesis of titanocene in the presence of sodium hydroxide was studied, and the pH value of the reaction could be widened when compared with the previous method. ► Titanocene complexes can obtain under normal temperature; no anhydrous organic solvents and insert gas are required. ► A macrocylic titanocene, whose structure was determined by X-ray analysis, was prepared by the method.