The derivatisation of ferrocene and ferrocene bipyridyls for use in ma
terial science applications is described. The resultant molecules have
potential use in a number of areas such as redox active surfactants,
molecular sensors and fluorescent probes. The synthetic strategies are
based on Friedel Crafts acylation. The compounds also have secondary
uses in the binding of substituted ferrocene transition metals to prod
uce photoactive complexes.