Electrosynthesis and coordination chemistry of poly(ferrocenebipyridyl) films

The pyrrole-containing 1,1′-bis(bipyridyl)-substituted derivative of ferrocene L exhibits electrochemical recognition properties towards CuI and NiII in homogeneous solution. PolyL films synthesised by its oxidative electropolymerisation are able to coordinate CuI ions, whereas they do not display coordinating ability for NiII. In contrast, electropolymerisation of L in the presence of CuI or NiII ions readily obtain pre-structured metallated films. These films can be demetallated electrochemically, and then partially remetallated.