synthesis and characterisation of linear and towards cyclic diferrocenes with alkynyl spacers

Ferrocenediyl systems offer a motif that incorporates multiple functionality and redox-active centers, enabling these units to be used as molecular scaffolds in linear and cyclic compounds. Herein, we discuss a new modular methodology for the synthesis and incorporation of ferrocenediyl motifs within extended conjugated systems. We have synthesized a family of compounds featuring ferrocenediyl-ethynyl units with various para-substituted aromatic linkages. Extended linear, open-chain species have been isolated and understanding towards the analogous cyclic compounds gained. The new compounds have been probed using NMR, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and X-ray crystallography to gain further understanding of their structural and electronic properties.