Synthesis, Electrochemical, and Thermal Properties of [3]Ferrocenophane-Containing Chalcone Derivatives

Abstract

[3]Ferrocenophane-containing chalcone derivatives with benzene ring (3a–3d) or naphthalene ring (3e–3f) were synthesized and characterized. The potentials for [3]ferrocenophane-containing chalcones cathodically shifted ~70–80 mV compared with those of ferrocene-containing chalcones, indicating easier oxidation by loss of an electron for the former. The thermal behaviours of the prepared compounds were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. Compound 3f with terminal alkyl chain of 14 carbon atoms displayed mesophases, whereas other compounds were non-mesomorphic and showed either crystal polymorphic phase transitions or simple melting and freezing process in the heating and cooling cycles.