Bis(eta-cyclopentadienyl) iron

UsesFerrocene and its derivatives have various applications in different fields. It can be used as additives in rocket fuel, antiknock agent in gasoline, curing agent in rubber and silicone resin, and ultraviolet absorber. It can also be used in the production of metal-containing polymers and as a coating material for spacecraft. Ferrocene has a smoke abatement and combustion facilitating effect, which can reduce smoke production and increase power efficiency in fuel. It can also be used as an iron fertilizer for plants and as a pesticide. Ferrocene derivatives have applications as antioxidants, stabilizers, catalysts, and promoting agents in different industrial and organic synthesis processes. Addition of ferrocene to fuels such as diesel, gasoline, heavy oil, and coal can decrease the fuel consumption rate and reduce smoke production. Overall, ferrocene has unique characteristics that make it suitable for various applications in different fields.

UsesFerrocene is used as a catalyst for vulcanization, acceleration, and polymerization, as a chemical intermediate for polymeric compounds such as high temperature polymers, as an antiknock additive for gasoline, as a coating for missiles and satellites, and as a high-temperature lubricant.

General DescriptionFerrocene appears as orange crystalline solid or orange-yellow powder. Sublimes above 212 °F. Camphor odor. (NTP, 1992)

Definitionferrocene: An orange-red crystallinesolid, Fe(C5H5)2; m.p. 173°C. Itcan be made by adding the ioniccompound Na+C5H5- (cyclopentadienylsodium, made from sodium andcyclopentadiene) to iron(III) chloride.In ferrocene, the two rings are parallel,with the iron ion sandwiched betweenthem (hence the namesandwich compound: see formula).The bonding is between pi orbitalson the rings and d-orbitals on theFe2+ ion. The compound can undergoelectrophilic substitution on theC5H5rings (they have some aromatic character).It can also be oxidized to theblue ion (C5H5)2Fe+. Ferrocene is the first of a class of similar complexescalled sandwich compounds. Its systematicname is di-π-cyclopentadienyliron(II).