Synthesis and photochemical properties of cationic cyclopentadienyliron containing arylazo chromophores

Two kinds of cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes containing arylazo chromophores (Azo-Fc) were synthesized through the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions of cyclopentadienyliron chlorobenzene complexes. The synthesized Azo-Fc was characterized by LC-MS, IR, and H-1 NMR. The influence of substituents and the aryl ring on spectral data of the synthesized compounds is described. Unlike other cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes, Azo-Fc hardly underwent photolysis and showed no photo-initiating abilities in the cationic polymerization under photo-irradiation; in addition, trans/cis isomerization by irradiation is possible at different wavelengths. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.