How do redox groups behave around a rigid molecular platform? hexa(ferrocenylethynyl)benzenes and their "electrostatic" redox chemistry

Abstract

A new family of hexakis(ferrocenylethynyl)benzenes was synthesized by Negishi coupling from ethynylferrocenes and C6Br6 and can be reversibly oxidized to stable hexaferrocenium salts (see picture, Ar F=[3,5-C6H3(CF3)2]). Their cyclic voltammograms show a single six-electron wave, three distinct two-electron waves, or a cascade of six single-electron waves, depending on the electrolyte counterion and number of methyl substituents on the ferrocenyl groups. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.