Vinylferrocene is a monofunctional organometallic vinyl monomer that combines a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond with a ferrocenyl group. Polymerization incorporates pendant ferrocene units into the resulting polymer, providing access to materials with reversible ferrocene/ferrocenium redox chemistry.
Synonyms: Vinyl ferrocene; ethenylferrocene.
Vinylferrocene can be homopolymerized to form poly(vinylferrocene) or incorporated into copolymers to introduce electroactive ferrocenyl functionality. These materials are studied in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, sensing, and redox-active materials research.
Key Properties
- Organometallic vinyl monomer containing a ferrocenyl group
- Chemical purity: ≥ 99%
- CAS Number: 1271-51-8
- Molecular formula: C12H12Fe
- Molecular weight: approximately 212.07 g/mol
- Appearance: orange crystalline solid
- Melting point: approximately 50–53°C
- Catalog number: 04503
- Available size: 1 g
- Storage: room temperature
Applications
Redox-Active Polymer Synthesis
The vinyl group enables incorporation of ferrocenyl functionality into polymer backbones through polymerization. Vinylferrocene may be used to prepare poly(vinylferrocene) and vinylferrocene-containing copolymers for studies involving reversible oxidation and reduction of pendant ferrocene groups.
Electrochemical Materials Research
Vinylferrocene-derived polymers are used in research on electroactive materials where the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple provides a chemically addressable oxidation state. Electrochemical response depends on polymer composition, film structure, electrolyte, and measurement conditions.
Electrochemical Sensor Research
Polymer systems derived from vinylferrocene have been investigated as redox-active coatings and interfaces for electrochemical sensing. Published research includes the use of poly(vinylferrocene)-derived materials in electrochemical nucleic-acid sensor platforms.
Electrode & Energy-Storage Research
Poly(vinylferrocene) has also been studied as a redox-active electrode material, including research on positive electrodes for solid-state lithium-based battery systems. Application performance is dependent on polymer architecture, electrolyte chemistry, electrode design, and operating conditions.
Polymerization & Research Considerations
- The vinyl functionality provides the polymerizable site, while the ferrocenyl group remains available for subsequent redox chemistry
- Vinylferrocene has been polymerized by free-radical methods to prepare poly(vinylferrocene)
- Redox behavior of the resulting polymer depends on its chemical environment, electrolyte, counterions, and polymer morphology
- Vinylferrocene should be described as an electroactive monomer rather than as an intrinsically conductive material
- Copolymer composition can be adjusted to vary the concentration of ferrocenyl groups within the resulting polymer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container closed when not in use
- Use appropriate laboratory ventilation or a chemical fume hood during handling
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable laboratory clothing
- Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, transport, and disposal information
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FAQ
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1. What is vinylferrocene?
Vinylferrocene is an organometallic vinyl monomer containing a ferrocenyl group and a polymerizable vinyl group. Polymerization allows ferrocenyl functionality to be incorporated into polymers and copolymers.
2. What is the CAS number for vinylferrocene?
The CAS number for vinylferrocene is 1271-51-8.
3. Is vinyl ferrocene the same as vinylferrocene?
Yes. “Vinyl ferrocene” is an alternate spacing of the name vinylferrocene. Ethenylferrocene is another name used for the same compound.
4. Can vinylferrocene be used to prepare poly(vinylferrocene)?
Yes. Vinylferrocene has been polymerized by free-radical methods to produce poly(vinylferrocene), a polymer containing pendant ferrocenyl groups with reversible redox behavior.
5. Is vinylferrocene an electrically conductive monomer?
Vinylferrocene is more accurately described as an electroactive or redox-active monomer. Its ferrocenyl group undergoes reversible oxidation and reduction, while electrical conductivity of a resulting material depends on the complete polymer or composite structure.
6. What is the difference between ferrocene and vinylferrocene?
Vinylferrocene contains a vinyl substituent that provides a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond. Ferrocene does not contain this vinyl functionality and therefore does not serve as the equivalent vinyl monomer.
7. How should vinylferrocene be stored?
Polysciences specifies storage at room temperature. Keep the material appropriately contained and follow the current Safety Data Sheet for complete storage and handling guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Use appropriate laboratory engineering controls and personal protective equipment when handling vinylferrocene. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete safety, handling, storage, and disposal information.
