Synthesis and structures of the new biferrocenamine-based receptor and its characterization of electrochemical recognition of transition metal ions

The new biferrocenamine-base receptor FcL was prepared and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of FcL was also described. The electrochemical studies reveal that the FcL show a two-wave behavior for H+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+, but was unresponsive to Mg2+ and Ca2+. The maximum oxidation peak potential shift of about 250 mV was found for FcL in the presence of Cu2+, Zn2+ or Ni2+.