Synthesis and Reactivity of Sterically Encumbered Diazaferrocenes

Bulky pyrrolyl ligands have been used for the synthesis of diazaferrocenes, which have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray diffraction for rac-[{η⁵-2,3,5-(Me₃C)₃C₄HN}₂Fe]. Chemical oxidation of diazaferrocenes to the corresponding diazaferrocenium cations has been accomplished with AgSbF₆. In addition, EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopic, electrochemical, and density function theory (DFT) studies have provided a more detailed understanding of the electronic structures of these complexes.