A novel method for preparation of acylferrocenes

Abstract

Ferrocene was electrochemically acylated (in a good yield) by in situ generation of both the acylating agent and the catalyst. The reaction was performed by a constant current electrolysis of the methylene chloride solution of tetraethylammonium chloride, ferrocene, phosphorus trichloride and the corresponding carboxylic acid in an undivided celt supplied with an Al-anode and an Al-cathode. In some cases, besides the target monoacylferrocenes, small amounts of the corresponding diacylferrocenes are also isolated.