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 FERROCENE

       (The sole producer by electrolytic process in China)

Ferrocene, namely cyolopentadienyl iron with the chemical formula of Fe(C5H5)2, is an efficient and versatile additive and chemical reagent. Ferrocene is a metallorganic complex with the smell of camphor. Ferrocene has a melting point of 172-174°C, boiling point of 249°C. It is dissolved in organic solvents such as benzene, diethyl ether, methanol, ethyl alcohol, gasoline, diesel oil, and kerosene, but not in aqueous. It is chemically steady and poisonousless, not reacting with acid, alkail and ultraviolet. It doesn't decompose until 400°C. Mixed with Ferrocene, the diesel oil can be preserved for a long use.

Specifications:

Applications of ferrocene and its derivatives

Ferrocene itself has few applications. However, known synthetic methods allow the preparation of countless derivatives (above), thus extending the range of applications.

Fuel additives

Ferrocene and its derivatives are antiknock agents used in the fuel for petrol engines; they are considered to be safer than tetraethyl lead, previously used. A petrol additive solution which contains ferrocene which can be added to unleaded petrol to enable it to be used in vintage cars which were designed to run on leaded petrol.

In diesel-fuelled engines, ferrocene reduces the production of soot.

Medical

Some ferrocenium salts exhibit anticancer activity, and an experimental drug has been reported which is a ferrocenyl version of tamoxifen.The idea is that the tamoxifen will bind to the estrogen binding sites, resulting in a cytotoxicity effect.

Materials chemistry

Ferrocene, being readily sublimed, can be used to deposit certain kinds of fullerenes, especially carbon nanotubes. Due to the fact that many organic reactions can be used to modify ferrocenes, it is the case that vinyl ferrocene can be made. The vinyl ferrocene can be made by a Wittig reaction of the aldehyde, a phosphonium salt and sodium hydroxide. The vinyl ferrocene can be converted into a polymer which can be thought of as a ferrocenyl version ofpolystyrene (the phenyl groups are replaced with ferrocenyl groups).

Ferrocene is also used as a nano-sized "loom" in the manufacture of ultra-high molecular weight poliethylene's very long fibers, which are used to manufacture newer types of bulletproof vest fabric.

As a ligand scaffold

Chiral ferrocenyl phosphines are employed as ligands for transition-metal catalyzed reactions. Some of them have found industrial applications in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. 1,1'-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) is a diphosphine containing a ferrocene moiety; it is a valuable ligand for palladium coupling reactions.

Safety notes

The product is considered toxic. When handling it should be weared the synthetic rubber gloves and the dust gauze mask to prevent contacting with skin and inhaling its power.

Package

Fibreboard Drums, in which was put aluminum foil bag. Net weight 20 kgs.

Storage

Store airtightly in a shady and ventilating place.Its shelf life is 12 months. The product can be still used if up to standard through retest after the specified date.

Transportation

Should prevent raindrenched and sunning during tranporting. UN number 3143.