Investigations into the synthesis of ferrocenylalkyl-selenols

Ferrocenyl-methyl and -butyl selenols Fc(CH2)nSeH (n = 1 or 4) have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding selenocyanates Fc(CH2)nSeCN (n = 1 or 4) with NaBH4 or the corresponding diselenide FcCH2SeSeCH2Fc with Zn/HCl or NaBH4. The compounds were characterised by NMR and IR spectroscopy and GCMS and/or ESI MS. The selenols were found to be substantially air-sensitive regardless of the presence of a Fc(CH2)n group at the hydride centre. The X-ray crystal structure of FcCH2SeCN is also reported.