Question

Draw the structure of ferrocene and write the preparation, properties and uses of it.

Answer 1

I don't know the answer

Answer 2

Uses of Ferrocene:

Ferrocene and its derivatives are antiknock agents used in the fuel for petrol engines; they are safer than tetraethyllead, previously used. Petrol additive solutions containing ferrocene can be added to unleaded petrol to enable its use in vintage cars designed to run on leaded petrol.

Preparation of Ferrocene :

This experiment is done in two parts:

1. Firstly freshly distilled cyclopentadiene (C5H6)is prepared
2. Secondly, ferrocene is synthesized.

Both parts are done in the fumehood.

Ferrocene Synthesis:

The method of synthesis is described below:

• A 250mL 3-neck round bottom flask having a dropping funnel, magnetic stirrer and nitrogen inlet is mixed with DME (50mL) and 4.25mL of freshly distilled cyclopentadiene (Figure 2).Stir the solution and flush with nitrogen.

• Take a 1mL aliquot for 1H NMR. Add 20g finely ground KOH and stir the mixture vigorously for 15min to form a colored mixture, which includes the cyclopentadienyl anion.

• Take another 1mL aliquot for 1H NMR and prepare a finely powdered FeCl2.4H2O (5g) solution in 20mL of DMSO under nitrogen and transfer the solution into the dropping funnel.

• Add the iron(II) chloride solution slowly over a period of 30 min with efficient stirring

• Take a 1mL aliquot for 1H NMR after 2/3 of the FeCl2/ DMSO solution has been added, then another aliquot (1mL) at the end of addition.

• The reaction mixture is again stirred for 15min then the dark slurry is poured into a beaker containing crushed ice (80g) and hydrochloric acid (75mL, 6M).

• The mixture is thoroughly stirred to dissolve and neutralize any remaining KOH.

• Filter the precipitate and wash with water. Collect the crude orange ferrocene and dry in the air.

• Purify by sublimation to obtain orange crystalline material and record your yield

Uses of [Fe(η-C5H5)2]:

Ferrocene and its derivatives are antiknock agents used in the fuel for petrol engines; they are safer than tetraethyllead, previously used. Petrol additive solutions containing ferrocene can be added to unleaded petrol to enable its use in vintage cars designed to run on leaded petrol.