Abstract
A compound containing a redox-switchable ferrocene unit, a cation binding site (crown ether), a hydrophobic tail, and a functional group suitable for conversion into an electrode anchor has been synthesized. Its properties have been assessed by mass spectrometric and electrochemical methods and the effects of cations on the properties of this compound are presented. In addition, several hydrophobic ferrocene derivatives have been prepared and studied by the FAB/MS technique and results of those studies are also reported. These techniques demonstrate cation-mediated cooperativity between the redox center and cation binding site. Other effects resulting from the combination of subunits within a single molecule are also reported.
