What is it about?
Ferrocene is an organometallic compound of the general class metallocene, with the formula Fe(η5-C5H5)2, where iron is sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings [1,2,3]. Ferrocene finds applications in the design and fabrication of sensors, biosensors, electrochemically active supramolecular switches, catalysis, drugs, and fuel additives, etc. It has been reported that ferrocenes could fit in the cavity of water-soluble β-cyclodextrin (βCD). The diverse applications of ferrocene derivatives are mainly attributed to their electrochemical properties, which govern their chemical and biological action. Therefore, the family of ferrocene has been rapidly developing in the last 60+ years, with the synthesis of its derivatives having applications in homogeneous asymmetric catalysis, chemical sensors, biosensing, molecular electronics, and electrocatalysis. Ferrocene is also used in biological treatments because it is chemically stable, neutral, and able to cross the cell membrane. Owing to its favorable and reversible redox peaks, a huge fraction of research is devoted to the electron transfer studies of ferrocene derivatives.
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Why is it important?
Electrochemical sensors based on ferrocene as mediators have been extensively documented. They are also considered ideal redox mediators, due to the stability of each form of the redox couple and their insensitivity to physiological oxygen. Other applications of ferrocene derivatives include their role as combustion regulators, radiation absorbers, and components of various redox systems.
Perspectives
The use of ferrocene and its derivatives in various fields of science have made them an essential class of compounds for further investigation. The role of ferrocene and its derivatives for the welfare of mankind is obvious and is believed to relate to their favorable electron transfer behavior. The electrochemical studies of new ferrocene derivatives are crucial for the evaluation of their properties and potential biomedical applications.
Dr Afzal Shah
Quaid-i-Azam University, Iislamabad
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Investigation of Electron Transfer Mechanistic Pathways of Ferrocene Derivatives in Droplet at Carbon Electrode, C – Journal of Carbon Research, September 2022, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/c8030045.
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