INVESTIGATIONS OF A NOVEL FERROCENE-CONTAINING LIPID BY CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY AND CRYOGENIC TRANSMISSION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

A novel chiral redox-active ferrocene compound (FcV1) with amphiphilic properties has been synthesized. Cryogenic Transmission Electron Micr oscopy (cryo-TEM) has been used to estimate the shape and size of the FcV1 aggregates in solution. Uni- and multi-lamellar vesicles (between 40 and 300 nm in diameter) were observed in water. Large particles (o f more than 1 mu m in diameter) with a hexagonal fine structure were f ound in 50 mM aqueous Na2SO4 solution. Sonication transformed the latt er into 'rosette'-like structures. Cyclic voltammetry has been employe d to investigate the electrochemical properties of FcV1. The amphiphil e adsorbed on graphite electrodes and a reversible electrochemical beh aviour, characteristic of ferrocene, was observed with redox potential s between 330 and 350 mV. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.