Ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate

Ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate

Names
Other names dicyclopentadienyl iron tetrafluoroborate
Identifiers
CAS Number	1282-37-7 Y
Properties
Chemical formula	C10H10BFeF4
Molar mass	272.84 g/mol
Appearance	dark blue powder
Melting point	178 °C (352 °F; 451 K) (decomposes)
Solubility in acetonitrile	Soluble
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Related compounds
Related compounds	Ferrocene
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate is an organometallic compound with the formula [Fe(C₅H₅)₂]BF₄. This salt is composed of the cation [Fe(C₅H₅)₂]⁺ and the tetrafluoroborate anion (BF⁻
₄). The related hexafluorophosphate is also a popular reagent with similar properties. The cation is often abbreviated Fc⁺ or Cp₂Fe⁺. The salt is deep blue in color and paramagnetic.

Ferrocenium salts are sometimes used as one-electron oxidizing agents, and the reduced product, ferrocene, is inert and readily separated from ionic products. The ferrocene–ferrocenium couple is often used as a reference in electrochemistry. In acetonitrile solution that is 0.1 M in NBu₄PF₆, the Fc⁺/Fc couple is +0.641 V with respect to the normal hydrogen electrode.

Preparation

Commercially available, this compound may be prepared by oxidizing ferrocene typically with ferric salts followed by addition of fluoroboric acid. A variety of other oxidants work well also, such as nitrosyl tetrafluoroborate. Many analogous ferrocenium salts are known.