Synthesis, complexation and electrochemical study of 1,13-diselena-5,9-dithia[13]ferrocenophane: Crystal structures of [ML](PF6)2 (M = Pd, Pt)

A mixed donor macrocyclic ferrocenophane, 1,13-diselena-5,9-dithia[13]ferrocenophane (L), was synthesized. Reaction of L with [M(NCMe)4](PF6)2 (M = Pd, Pt) led to complexes [ML](PF6)2 (M = Pd, Pt). The structures of two complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetry shows that, in [ML](PF6)2 (M = Pd, Pt), the half-wave potential of the 1,1′-ferrocenediyl group shifts to much more positive potentials due to the strong through-space interaction between the two metals (Fe…M) and sulfur atoms.