Multi-Ferrocene-Based Ligands: From Design to Applications
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025

Synthetic Methodology for Asymmetric Ferrocene Derived Bio-conjugate Systems via Solid Phase Resin-based Methodology
Published on: March 12, 2015
Axel Straube1,2, Liridona Useini1,3, Evamarie Hey-Hawkins1,4,5
1Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract:
Despite the extensive literature on ferrocene chemistry, a comprehensive analysis of multiferrocene ligands is notably absent. Thus, this review presents an overview of multiferrocenyl-containing ligands, focusing on their synthesis, characterization, and applications in catalysis and sensing. These ligands offer unique properties, including redox activity and planar chirality, making them valuable in asymmetric catalysis and molecular electronics. The review covers the literature from the first synthesis of tris(ferrocenyl)phosphane in 1962 to current developments, including various ligand subsets, which contain at least two ferrocene units within their structure. Special attention is given to explaining the coordination chemistry, electrochemical behavior, and practical applications of these ligands. The aim of this undertaking is to fill gaps in knowledge and inspire further research by identifying areas for exploration. Notably, certain ligand families like TRAP (trans-spanning phosphane) ligands remain underexplored in terms of their electrochemical properties, highlighting opportunities for future investigation. Thus, this review provides a resource for researchers in the field, stimulating further advancements in multiferrocenyl ligand chemistry and its wide-ranging applications.
More Related Videos
07:14Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers
Published on: May 12, 2023
04:51Author Spotlight: Functionalizing Metal-Organic Frameworks: Advancements, Challenges, and the Power of Post-Synthetic Ligand Exchange
Published on: June 23, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...
Valence Bond Theory