Question

Synthesis and Purification of Acetylferrocene:
1.Where on the ferrocene molecule was the second acetyl group added? Explain why this position is favored on the molecule.
2.Explain why ferrocene has a higher Rf value on silica gel TLC than acetylferrocene.

Answer 1

1 The first acetyl group deactivates the ring towards electrophilic substitution reaction so the next group enters the opposite end.

2.Ferrocene is a less polar in nature while acetyl Ferrocene is more polar. Since silica gel is polar so the bonding affinity between Ferrocene and silica will be less This means that less polar substance will move the plate readily having higher RF value than acetyl ferrocence moving slowly on TLC plate giving lower RF value

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