Direct C-O Bond Activation Mediated by AcOH: A New Metal-Free Way for α-Functionalization of Ferrocene Alcohols.

α-functionalization of ferrocenyl alcohols by direct C-O bond activation by indoles, active methylene compounds, electron-rich arenes, anilines, alcohols, and thiols in acetic acid is described. This protocol provides a relatively green and efficient combinatorial access to ferrocene derivatives in a metal-free manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]