Synthesis and characterization of 1,1′-bis(6-fulvenyl)ferrocene

Two efficient syntheses of the previously unknown 1,1′-bis(6-fulvenyl)ferrocene are described. The first involves the preparation of the fulvenylcyclopentadienide ligand anion, which is converted to the fulvenylferrocene by addition of ferrous chloride. The second converts the known dilithioferrocene directly to the bis(fulvenyl)ferrocene by reaction with 6-dimethylaminofulvene. Both syntheses are high yield procedures. Also described are syntheses of the known mono-fulvenylferrocene (ferrocenylfulvene). © 1981.