The syntheses and catalytic applications of unsymmetrical ferrocene ligands.

Interest in the chemistry of ferrocene remains intense, largely due to applications within catalysis. New synthetic routes to unsymmetrical ferrocene ligands have provided another facet to this area, as substituents can be designed to be electronically- and/or sterically-distinct in order to affect the environment around the catalytically-active metal centre. This critical review provides a concise summary of the synthetic routes that have been applied to the synthesis of unsymmetrical ferrocene ligands, along with a systematic survey of the applications of these ligands in homogeneous catalysis. The aim is to help the reader select a suitable ferrocenediyl ligand for a particular synthetic application, and in the synthesis of ligands that require particular structural and/or electronic features.