Control over cyclisation sequences of 1,1′-bifunctional octamethylferrocenes to ferrocenophanes

This paper describes the facile synthesis of a number of electron rich octamethyl[1.4]ferrocenophanes with unsaturated handles from 1,1′-bis(1-chlorovinyl)octamethylferrocene. Treatment of this reactive compound with sodium hydroxide in DMF initiates a series of reactions resulting in the formation of four different ferrocenophanes. The most complex of these products arises from a cascade of cyclisations giving an unusual, unsymmetrical bis-ferrocenophane with a central fused cyclobutene. Control over the reaction outcome is achieved by manipulating the concentration of NaOH. Mechanisms are proposed, and supported by DFT calculations.