Tribochemistry of Some Ferrocene Derivatives

Abstract

An investigation was made of the behavior of different ferrocenyl alcohols and ferrocenyl sulfides as wear-reducing additives in paraffin oil. From measurements of wear as determined by four-ball apparatus, and extensive examination of products being formed by the ferrocenyl alcohols during sliding, a carbocation model has been proposed which elucidates the mechanism of wear and seizure protection. As a result of chemical and physico-chemical studies of ferrocenyl sulfides, the carbocation action mechanism has also been suggested for these compounds. The results are discussed in the light of knowledge concerning the stability of 1 -ferrocenylalkyl cations, which are characteristic for both the alcohols and sulfides.