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(C₅ H₃ )₂ }Na₄ Mg₄ {iPr₂ N}₈ ]. This novel addition to the s-block metal inverse crown family possesses a tetrasodium-tetramagnesium amido (Na₄ Mg₄ N₈ )⁴⁺ ring to complete a series of 8, 12, 16, and 24-membered rings.