Modified metallocenes for material science

The derivatisation of ferrocene and ferrocene bipyridyls for use in material science applications is described. The resultant molecules have potential use in a number of areas such as redox active surfactants, molecular sensors and fluorescent probes. The synthetic strategies are based on Friedel Crafts acylation. The compounds also have secondary uses in the binding of substituted ferrocene transition metals to produce photoactive complexes.