Ferrocene—the prototypical metallocene—is a fascinating molecule. Even though it was first discovered over fifty years ago, research into ferrocene-containing compounds continues apace, largely stimulated by their successful applications in catalysis, materials science and bioorganometallic chemistry. Ferrocene derivatives are now recognised as useful starting materials for the preparation of new organometallic complexes and functional materials, efficient catalyst components, as well as redox-active modifiers to biomolecules.

Ferrocenes: Ligands, Materials and Biomolecules provides the reader with a background overview and describes recent advances in the development and application of ferrocene compounds, including:

• synthesis and catalytic utilisation of chiral and non-chiral ferrocene ligands
• ferrocene-based sensors
• electrooptical materials
• ferrocene polymers
• liquid-crystalline materials
• crystal engineering with ferrocene compounds
• the bioorganometallic chemistry of ferrocene

Ferrocenes: Ligands, Materials and Biomolecules is an essential guide for anyone working in the fields of organometallic synthesis and catalysis, materials science and bioorganometallic chemistry.

Petr Stepnicka, Associate Professor, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Czech Republic.