ChemInform Abstract: Applications of Ferrocenium Salts in Organic Synthesis

Ferrocenium salts can be easily obtained from ferrocene by either synthetic preparation or in situ reaction. The ferrocenium ion can act as a one-electron oxidant and thus initiate or promote a range of radical processes. Ferrocene itself can donate electrons to suitable substrates, resulting in useful transformations. Ferrocenium salts can also act as mild Lewis acids. This paper highlights various uses of ferrocenium ions in organic reactions. 1 Introduction 2 Ferrocenium Salts as Lewis Acids 3 Ferrocenium Salts as One-Electron Oxidants 4 Ferrocene as an Electron Donor 5 Catalysis with Other Ferrocenium Derivatives 6 Conclusions