Influence of Electron Delocalization in Heterocyclic Core Systems on the Electrochemical Communication in 2,5-Di- and 2,3,4,5-Tetraferrocenyl Thiophenes, Furans, and Pyrroles

A series of 2,5-di- and 2,3,4,5-tetraferrocenyl-substituted thiophenes, furans, and pyrroles were synthesized using the Negishi GC cross-coupling protocol. The electronic and electrochemical properties of these compounds were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and in situ UV-vis/NIR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 2,5-diferrocenyl furan and 2,3,4,5-tetraferrocenyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole in the solid state are discussed. The ferrocenyls could sequentially be oxidized giving two or four reversible responses for the appropriate di- or tetraferrocenyl-substituted heterocyclic molecules. The observed Delta E degrees' values range between 186 and 450 mV. The NIR measurements confirm electronic communication as intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) absorptions were found in the corresponding mono- and in case of the tetraferrocenyl compounds also in the dicationic species. All compounds, except tetraferrocenyl thiophene (a class I system), were classified as class II systems according to Robin and Day. They show a linear relationship between Delta E degrees' and the IVCT oscillator strength f which could be shown for the first time in organometallic chemistry. This was possible because the series of molecules exhibit analogous geometries and hence, similar electrostatic properties. This correlation was confirmed by electro- and spectro-electrochemical measurements. Within these studies a new approach for the estimation of the effective electron transfer distances r(ab) is discussed.