SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE OF ROCENYLMETHYL-3-FERROCENYLMETHYLENE-1-CYCLOHEXENE, C30H32OFE2

The title compound was formed when 2,5-di(ferrocenylmethylene)cyclohex anone was variously treated with NaBH4 in ethanol. The first step was probably a reduction to the corresponding alcohol. This was followed b y nucleophilic attack on the vinylic carbon by ethanol, with subsequen t elimination of water. Its structure was determined by X-ray diffract ion from data collected at 95 K. The orange crystals are monoclinic wi th a = 11.597(2), b = 7.436(1), c = 13.689(2) angstrom, beta = 92.50(1 )-degrees, Z = 2, space group Pa. The molecule consists of two ferroce nyl groups connected by a 1,3-pentadienyl chain. The three central car bon atoms of the chain are members of a cyclohexene ring. In addition an ethoxy group is substituted at the I-position of the chain. The fer rocenyl group at the other end displays disorder in the unsubstituted ring.