Regioselective Tetrametalation of Ferrocene in a Single Reaction: Extension of s-Block Inverse Crown Chemistry to the d-Block

Abstract

Remarkably, four hydrogen atoms have been regioselectively removed from the 1,1′,3,3′-positions of ferrocene in a single reaction leading to the formation of the new macrocyclic host–guest complex [{Fe(C5H3)2}Na4Mg4{iPr2N}8] (see picture). This novel addition to the s-block metal inverse crown family possesses a tetrasodium–tetramagnesium amido (Na4Mg4N8)4+ ring to complete a series of 8, 12, 16, and 24-membered rings.