The [Cp(CO)2Fe] (Fp) group as a donor in donor/acceptor substituted disilanes: synthesis, structure and electronic properties of FpSi2Me4C6H4CHC(CN)2

UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry are used to study electronic interactions in the donor/acceptor substituted disilane FpSi2Me4C6H4CHC(CN)2 (Fp=η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2) (1). The synthesis of 1 was achieved by a conventional chemical route, the model substances FpSiMe3 (2), FpSi2Me5 (3) and FpSi2Me4C6H5 (4) were obtained by the electrolysis of Fp2 in the presence of the appropriate chlorosilane. The structure of 1, determined by X-ray diffraction, exhibits an all-trans-array of the FeSiSiCaryl fragment, a basic requirement for optimal through-bond interaction. UV–vis and CV data indicate strong intramolecular donor/acceptor interaction in 1.