The self-indicating preparation of bromoferrocenes from stannylferrocenes and an improved synthesis of di-iodoferrocene.

A simple method for the preparation of bromoferrocenes from stannylferrocenes is described: the preparation of 1,1'-dibromoferrocene is used as an example. Stannylferrocenes are reacted with bromine directly in dichloromethane to give bromoferrocenes in a self-indicating titration reaction. Also, an enhanced method of removal of the highly soluble organotin tin by-products formed in the preparation of 1,1'-diiodoferrocene from 1,1'-tri-n-butylstannylferrocene is reported allowing the preparation of large-scale quantities of 1,1'-diiodoferrocene, which is one of the most important starting materials in ferrocene chemistry.