Synthesis of novel ferrocenyl silyl ethers via dehydrocoupling reactions under Karstedt catalyst

(4-Ferrocenylbutyl)dimethylsilane is prepared by a Grignard reaction from 4-chlorobutylferrocene and chlorodimethylsilane in THF. The Si–H group reacts with primary and secondary alcohols at room temperature to give good yields of (4-ferrocenylbutyl)dimethylsilyl ethers with Karstedt catalyst in THF. Ferrocenyl groups in pendant side chain are attached to cellulose acetate butyrate via alcoholysis at room temperature with Karstedt catalyst.