The ferrocene-derived acids FcCH₂CH₂E(O)(OH)₂ [4, E=P; 10, E=As; Fc=Fe(η₅-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄)] have been synthesized by the reaction of FcCH₂CH₂Br with either P(OEt)₃ followed by hydrolysis, or with sodium arsenite followed by acidification. Reaction of FcCH₂OH with (EtO)₂P(O)Na gave FcP(O)(OEt)(OH), which was converted to FcCH₂P(O)(OH)₂ (3) by silyl ester hydrolysis using Me₃SiBr–Et₃N followed by aqueous work-up. Similarly, the known phosphonic acid FcP(O)(OH)₂and the new derivatives 1,1′-Fc′[P(O)(OH)₂]₂ [Fc′=Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂] and 1,1′-Fc′[CH₂P(O)(OH)₂]₂(7) have been synthesized via their corresponding esters. X-ray crystal structure determinations have been carried out on 3 and 7, and the hydrogen-bonding networks discussed. Electrospray mass spectrometry has been employed in the characterization of the various acids. Phosphonic acids give the expected [M–H]− ions and their fragmentation at elevated cone voltages has been found to be dependent on the acid. FcP(O)(OH)₂ fragments to [C₅H₄PO₂H]−, but in contrast Fc(CH₂)nP(O)(OH)₂ (n=1, 2) give Fe{η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)nP(O)O₂]− ions, which are proposed to have an intramolecular interaction between the Fe atom and the phosphonate group. In contrast, arsonic acid (10), together with PhAs(O)(OH)₂for comparison, undergo facile alkylation (in methanol or ethanol solvent), and at elevated cone voltages (e.g. >60 V) undergo carbon–arsenic bond cleavage giving [CpFeAs(O)(OR)O]− (R=H, Me, Et) and ultimately [AsO₂]− ions.
