One-stage synthesis of FcP(O)(OC2H5)2from ferrocene and α-hydroxyethylphosphonate

A new approach is proposed for ferrocene phosphorylation using α-hydroxylalkylphosphonate as a “masked” phosphorylating agent, by electrochemical reduction of a ferrocene and (Me)2C(OH)P(O)(OC2H5)2 mixture at −50 °C. The method makes it possible to obtain the product of diethyl ferrocenyl phosphonate with a high yield (87–89%) and 100% conversion of the initial phosphonate in one stage. It is evidenced with experiments that ferrocene reduction is carried out with preservation of the iron charge in the ferrocene fragment and with the formation of a cyclopentadienyl ligand radical anion at −3.3 V ref. Ag/AgCl (at −50 °C).