Syntheses and Anion Binding Capabilities of Bis(diarylboryl) Ferrocenes and Related Systems

Isomeric diborylated ferrocenes featuring 1,1'-, 1,2-, and 1,3-substitution patterns have been targeted via a combination of electrophilic aromatic substitution and directed ortho-lithiation protocols. While none of these systems are competent for the Lewis acid chelation of fluoride, related systems featuring a mixed B/Si acceptor set capture 1 equiv of fluoride via a Si-F-B bridging motif.