Al(OTf)3 as a new efficient catalyst for the direct nucleophilic substitution of ferrocenyl alcohol substrates. Convenient preparation of ferrocenyl-PEG compounds

The use of Al(OTf)3 as a new efficient catalyst for the direct nucleophilic substitution of the hydroxy group of ferrocenyl alcohols is described. This catalyst, originally developed for the mono-substitution of ethylene glycol nucleophiles of different length has shown a high activity with other carbon-, nitrogen-, and sulfur-based nucleophiles. In all the studied cases, no more than 1 mol % of catalyst was needed to allow fast and clean reactions.