Selective monolithiation of 1,1′-dibromoferrocene applied to the synthesis of new unsymmetrical 1,1′-disubstituted ferrocenyl ligands

A novel convenient method for preparing unsymmetrical 1,1'-disubstituted ferrocenyl ligands by using the readily accessible 1,1'-dibromoferrocene as a precursor is described. The method is of interest for modifying the chelating ferrocenyl ligands in view of the growing influence of homogeneous catalysis in organic synthesis, manipulation of materials and production of high optical yield.