Method for preparing ortho-substituted aminoferrocenes

The first truly new method of preparing 1,2-substituted chiral ferrocenes in the past 10 years.

Description
Since the discovery of ferrocenes and their unique “sandwich” structure, they have been an important motif in organometallic chemistry. In general ferrocenes have applicability in industrial scale reactions. An interest in chiral aminoferrocenes led Metallinos to question and study the limitations of previously published procedures. The research team has now developed the first truly new method of preparing 1,2-substituted chiral ferrocenes in the past 10 years. The process includes using an aminoferrocene as starting material, a step not previoulsy attempted. Current levels of enantioselectivity are already synthetically useful, and the researchers project a further improvement on their results.

Potential Benefits
• Production of ligands required by metal-based assymetric catalysis.
• Prepare elaborated aminoferrocenes in minimum number of steps and in good yield, when compared to previous methods.

Novelty
Ability to directly synthesize planar chiral aminoferrocenes, using aminoferrocene & access to unique ligands and reagents.

Development Stage
Optimization of synthesis is ongoing.
Patent Status: Provisional Patent filed.

Inventor: Costa Metallinos, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Brock