Ferrocene–Carbohydrate Conjugates as Electrochemical Probes for Molecular Recognition Studies

We report two methods that have allowed the attachment of glucose, mannose and lactose to one or both of the cyclopentadienyl rings of ferrocene. The resulting ferrocene–carbohydrate conjugates were synthesised by the reaction of thioglycosides with ferrocenemethanol and 1,1′‐ferrocenedimethanol in acidic media. A second method based on the regiospecific copper(I)‐catalysed cycloaddition of propargyl glycoside, azidomethyl and bis(azidomethyl)ferrocene as well as azidoethyl glycoside and ethynylferrocene was also used and led to the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole‐containing glycoconjugates. The electrochemical behaviour of the synthesised glycoconjugates was investigated. In addition, their binding interactions with β‐cyclodextrin were studied by means of NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric experiments. These techniques allowed the determination of the thermodynamic parameters of the complexes, the stability constants for the complexes formed with both the neutral and the oxidised states of the ferrocenyl glycoconjugates, the mode of inclusion and the diffusion coefficients for both the glycoconjugates and the complexes.     

Synthesis,Properties, and Redox Behavior of 1,1,4,4‐Tetracyano‐2‐ferrocenyl‐1,3‐butadienes Connected by Aryl,Biaryl, and Teraryl Spacers

Aryl‐substituted 1,1,4,4‐tetracyano‐1,3‐butadienes (FcTCBDs) and bis(1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobutadiene)s (bis‐FcTCBDs), possessing a ferrocenyl group on each terminal, were prepared by the reaction of a variety of alkynes with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) in a [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, followed by retro‐electrocyclization of the initially formed [2+2] cycloadducts (i.e., cyclobutene derivatives). The characteristic intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the donor (ferrocene) and acceptor (TCBD) moieties were investigated by using UV/Vis spectroscopy. The redox behaviors of FcTCBDs and bis‐FcTCBDs were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which revealed their properties of multi‐electron transfer depending on the number of ferrocene and TCBD moieties. Moreover, significant color changes were observed by visible spectroscopy under the electrochemical reduction conditions.     

Metal Ion,Light, and Redox Responsive Interaction of Vesicles by a Supramolecular Switch

Chemical, photochemical and electrical stimuli are versatile possibilities to exert external control on self‐assembled materials. Here, a trifunctional molecule that switches between an “adhesive” and a “non‐adhesive” state in response to metal ions, or light, or oxidation is presented. To this end, an azobenzene–ferrocene conjugate with a flexible N,N′‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)ethylenediamine spacer was designed as a multistimuli‐responsive guest molecule that can form inclusion complexes with β‐cyclodextrin. In the absence of any stimulus the guest molecule induces reversible aggregation of host vesicles composed of amphiphilic β‐cyclodextrin due to the formation of intervesicular inclusion complexes. In this case, the guest molecule operates as a noncovalent cross‐linker for the host vesicles. In response to any of three external stimuli (metal ions, UV irradiation, or oxidation), the conformation of the guest molecule changes and its affinity for the host vesicles is strongly reduced, which results in the dissociation of intervesicular complexes. Upon elimination or reversal of the stimuli (sequestration of metal ion, visible irradiation, or reduction) the affinity of the guest molecules for the host vesicles is restored. The reversible cross‐linking and aggregation of the cyclodextrin vesicles in dilute aqueous solution was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), optical density measurements at 600 nm (OD₆₀₀), dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ‐potential measurements and cyclic voltammetry (CV). To the best of our knowledge, a dynamic supramolecular system based on a molecular switch that responds orthogonally to three different stimuli is unprecedented.     

Synthesis, cyclic voltammetry, and UV–Vis studies of ferrocene-dithiafulvalenes as anticipated electron-donor materials

Abstract  

New ferrocenyl ketones were obtained as precursors of novel π-conjugated ferrocene-dithiafulvalene (Fc-DTF) and π-extended-ferrocenedithia-fulvalenes (π-exFc-DTF) as electron-donor conducting materials from ferrocene by a direct aroylation process using the Friedel–Crafts reaction. Novel Fc-DTF conjugates were synthesized using the Wittig–Horner reaction and their structures were determined. The redox behavior of the ferrocenyl carbonyl compounds Fc-DTF and Fc-π-exDTF was investigated in comparison to the parent ferrocene by means of cyclic voltammetry. A one-electron redox behavior was observed for carbonylferrocenes as one wave potential, while a two-electron process was observed as two oxidation waves for the conjugates. Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups led to increasing E _pa values and decreasing ΔE _p values. The UV–Vis spectra of some compounds were studied in comparison with ferrocene. The absorption spectra showed a red-shift with a slight increase in the absorption intensities.     

Electrochemical Aberrant Methylation Detection Based on Ferrocenyl Naphthalene Diimide Carrying β‐Cyclodextrin,FNC

Electrochemical detection of the specific gene carrying aberrant methylated cytosine was achieved by ferrocenyl naphthalene diimide carrying β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), FNC, coupled with the probe‐DNA‐immobilized electrode. The five CpG sites in a 24‐base sequence were selected as the target DNA on the CDH4 gene, which is associated with colorectal cancer. When methylated and unmethylated samples hybridized with the DNA probe (HS‐M24) immobilized on the electrode, an increased current signal was observed in the electrolyte containing FNC and correlated with the amount of target DNA. Furthermore, an increase in current (115 %) was observed when the PCR product of 105 bp was hybridized on the HS‐M24‐immobilized electrode, whereas a background level of current increase was observed in the case of unmethylated product. Such large discrimination ability might be due to the inter‐ and/or intra‐complex formation of ferrocene with β‐CD of FNC on the surface of the electrode.     

New Cyclodextrin‐Bearing 8‐Hydroxyquinoline Ligands as Multifunctional Molecules

Recent investigations have rekindled interest in 8‐hydroxyquinolines as therapeutic agents for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Three new β‐cyclodextrin conjugates of 8‐hydroxyquinolines and their copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. In addition to improving aqueous solubility, due to the presence of the cyclodextrin moiety, the hybrid systems have interesting characteristics including antioxidant activity, and their copper(II) complexes are efficient superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics. The ligands and their copper(II) complexes show low cytotoxicity, attributed to the presence of the cyclodextrin moiety. These compounds have potential as therapeutic agents in diseases related both to metal dyshomeostasis and oxidative stress.     

Fluorescence Sensing and Selective Binding of a Novel 4,4′‐Sulfonyldianiline‐Bridged Bis(β‐cyclodextrin) for Bile Salts

A novel 4,4′‐sulfonyldianiline‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin (CD)) 2 was synthesized, and its complex stability constants (K_s) for the 1 : 1 inclusion complexation with bile salts, i.e., cholate (CA), deoxycholate (DCA), glycocholate (GCA), and taurocholate (TCA) have been determined in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) at 25° by fluorescence spectroscopy. The result indicated that 2 can act as efficient fluorescent sensor and display remarkable fluorescence enhancement upon addition of optically inert bile salts. Structures of the inclusion complexes between bile salts and 2 were elucidated by 2D‐NMR experiments, indicating that the anionic tail group and the D ring of bile salts penetrate into one CD cavity of 2 from the wide opening deeply, while the phenyl moiety of the CD linker is partially self‐included in the other CD cavity to form a host–linker–guest binding mode. As compared with native β‐CD 1 upon complexation with bile salts, bis(β‐CD) 2 enhances the binding ability and molecular selectivity. Typically, 2 gives the highest K_s value of 26200 M ^?1 for the complexation with CA, which may be ascribed to the simultaneous contributions of hydrophobic, H‐bond, and electrostatic interactions. These phenomena are discussed from the viewpoints of multiple recognition and induce‐fit interactions between host and guest.     

Ferrocenyl Ionic Compounds Based on 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole. Synthesis,Characterization, Migration,and Catalytic Effects During Combustion

Ferrocenyl ionic compounds, consisting of the 5‐ferrocenyltetrazolate anion and a guanidinium or a 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation, were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as elementary analysis. The molecular structures of four compounds were additionally confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Results of the TG and DSC analyses showed that some compounds display high thermal stability. Cyclic voltammetry investigations suggested that the compounds exhibit redox waves for the ferrocenyl groups and are considered as irreversible redox systems. Migration studies revealed that migration trends of the compounds are much lower than that of 2, 2‐bis(ethylferrocenyl)propane (Catocene), extensively used in composite solid propellants. Their catalytic performances for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1, 3,5‐trinitro‐1, 3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1, 2,5, 7‐tetranitro‐1, 3,5, 7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were evaluated by DSC and/or TG techniques. Most of the compounds exhibit high catalytic efficiency in the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Those of the guanidine‐containing compounds 1 – 3 are better, implying that nitrogen‐rich moieties are beneficial to enhancing released heats of some energetic materials. These guanidine salts could be used as ferrocene‐based burning rate catalyst candidates in composite solid propellants.     

Affinity capillary electrophoresis method for investigation of bile salts complexation with sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin

Sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBEβCD) is utilized in preformulation and drug formulation as an excipient for solubilization of drugs with poor aqueous solubility. Approximately seven negative charges of SBEβCD play a role with respect to solubilization and complexation, but also have an influence on the ionic strength of the background electrolyte when the cyclodextrin is used in capillary electrophoresis. Mobility‐shift affinity capillary methods for investigation of the complexation of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate with the negatively charged cyclodextrin derivative applying constant power and ionic strength conditions as well as constant voltage and varying ionic strength were investigated. A new approach for the correction of background electrolyte ionic strength was developed. Mobility‐shift affinity capillary electrophoresis experiments obtained at constant voltage and constant power settings were compared and found to provide binding parameters that were in good agreement upon correction. The complexation of taurochenodeoxycholate with SBEβCD was significantly stronger than the corresponding interaction involving taurocholate. The obtained stability constants for the bile salts were in the same range as those previously reported for the interaction with neutral β‐cyclodextrins derivatives, i.e. the positions of the negative charges on SBEβCD and the bile salts within the complex did not lead to significant electrostatic repulsion.     

Kristallstrukturen ferrocenhaltiger 1,3‐Diketon‐ und Enaminoketon‐Derivate

Crystal Structures of 1,3‐Diketone and Enaminoketone Derivatives Containing Ferrocene The crystal structures of the 1,3‐diketones 2,4‐dioxo‐4‐ferrocenyl‐butanoic acid ethylester ( 1 ) und ferrocene‐1,1′‐bis(2,4‐dioxo‐butanoic acid ethylester) ( 2 ) have been determined. Through conversion of 1 by Cu(ac)₂ · H₂O in THF the copper(II) complex aqua‐bis(3‐ethoxycarbonyl‐1‐ferrocenyl‐propane‐1,3‐dionato) copper(II) ( 1 a ) has been obtained, which is structurally characterized too. The structures of the enaminoketones 2,2′‐(1,4‐phenylenediamino)‐bis(4‐ferrocenyl‐4‐oxo‐but‐2‐enoic acid ethylester) ( 3 ) and ferrocene‐1,1′‐bis(4‐oxo‐2‐phenylamino‐but‐2‐enoic acid ethylester) ( 4 ) have been determined by X‐ray analysis as well. Electrochemical studies completed the structural investigations.     

Synthesis,cyclic voltammetry,and UV–Vis studies of ferrocene-dithiafulvalenes as anticipated electron-donor materials

Abstract  New ferrocenyl ketones were obtained as precursors of novel π-conjugated ferrocene-dithiafulvalene (Fc-DTF) and π-extended-ferrocenedithia-fulvalenes (π-exFc-DTF) as electron-donor conducting materials from ferrocene by a direct aroylation process using the Friedel–Crafts reaction. Novel Fc-DTF conjugates were synthesized using the Wittig–Horner reaction and their structures were determined. The redox behavior of the ferrocenyl carbonyl compounds Fc-DTF and Fc-π-exDTF was investigated in comparison to the parent ferrocene by means of cyclic voltammetry. A one-electron redox behavior was observed for carbonylferrocenes as one wave potential, while a two-electron process was observed as two oxidation waves for the conjugates. Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups led to increasing E _pa values and decreasing ΔE _p values. The UV–Vis spectra of some compounds were studied in comparison with ferrocene. The absorption spectra showed a red-shift with a slight increase in the absorption intensities. Graphical abstract        

Molecular Recognition of Bridged Bis （β－cyclodextrin） s Linked by Phenylenediseleno Tether on the Primary or Secondary Side with Fluorescent Dyes

A novel β‐cyclodextrin dimer, 2, 2′‐o‐phenylenediseleno‐bridged bis (β‐cyclodextrin) (2), has been synthesized by reaction of mono‐[2‐O‐(p‐tolylsulfonyl)]‐β‐cyclodextrin and poly(o‐phenylenediselenide). The complexation stability constants (K₂) and Gibbs free energy changes (‐ΔG°) of dimer 2 with four fluorescence dyes, that is, ammonium 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), sodium 6‐(p‐toluidino)‐2‐naphthalenesulfonate (TNS), Acridine Red (AR) and Rhodamine B (RhB) have been determined in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.2, 0.1 mol‐L^?1) at 25 °C by means of fluorescence spectroscopy. Using the present results and the previously reported corresponding data of β‐cyclodextrin (1) and 6, 6′‐o‐phenylenediseleno‐bridged bis (β‐cyclodextrin) (3), binding ability and molecular selectivity are compared, indicating that the bis (β‐cyclodextrin)s 2 and 3 possess much higher binding ability toward these dye molecules than parent β‐cyclodextrin 1, but the complex stability constant for 2 linked from the primary side is larger than that of 3 linked from the secondary side, which is attributed to the more effective cooperative binding of two hydrophobic cavities of host 3 and the size/shape‐fit relationship between host and guest. The binding constant (K₂,) upon inclusion complexation of host 3 and AR is enhanced by factor of 27.3 as compared with that of 1. The 2D ¹H NOESY spectrum of host 2 and RhB is performed to confirm the binding mode and explain the relative weak binding ability of 2.     

Oxasmaragdyrin-ferrocene and oxacorrole-ferrocene conjugates: synthesis, structure, and nonlinear optical properties

Ferrocenyl macrocyclic conjugates involving 22 pi oxasmaragdyrins and 18 pi oxacorroles have been synthesized and characterized. The direct covalent linkage of the ferrocenyl moiety to the meso position of the macrocycle is achieved by simple oxidative coupling of appropriate precursors with trifluoroacetic acid as catalyst. The electronic coupling between the ferrocenyl moiety and the macrocyclic pi system is apparent from: a) the red shifts (293-718 cm(-1)) of the Soret and Q-bands in the electronic absorption spectra of ferrocenyl conjugates; b) the shift of oxidation potentials (50-130 mV) of both the ferrocene and the corrole rings to the positive potentials; and c) considerable shortening of the C-C bond which connects the ferrocene and the meso-carbon atom of the macrocycle. The single-crystal X-ray structure of oxasmaragdyrin-ferrocene conjugate 9 reveals the planarity of the 22 pi skeleton with very small deviations of the meso-carbon atoms. The meso-ferrocenyl substituent has a small dihedral angle of 38 degrees, making way for mixing of the molecular orbitals of the ferrocene and the macrocycle. However, the other two meso substituents are almost perpendicular to the mean plane, defined by the three meso carbon atoms. Classical C-H...O and nonclassical C-H...pi interactions lead to a two-dimensional supramolecular network. Ferrocene-smaragdyrin conjugate 9 bonds to a chloride ion in the protonated form and a rhodium(i) ion in the free base form. Nonlinear optical measurements reveal a larger nonlinear refractive index (-5.83 x 10(-8)cm(2)W(-1)) and figure of merit (2.28 x 10(-8)cm(3)W(-1)) for the rhodium smaragdyrin-ferrocene conjugate 19 than for the others, suggesting its possible application in optical devices.     

Microwave‐assisted Synthesis,Characterization, and Density Functional Theory Study of Biologically Active Ferrocenyl Bis‐pyrazoline and Bis‐pyrimidine as Organometallic Macromolecules

Organometallic macromolecules such as ferrocenyl bis‐pyrazoline ( 2 , 3 ) and bis‐pyrimidine ( 4 , 5 ) derivatives were synthesized by reacting ferrocenyl bis‐chalcone 1 with thiosemicarbazide/phenylhydrazine/guanidine hydrochloride/thiourea, respectively, under microwave irradiation. Ferrocenyl bis‐chalcone 1 was synthesized by reacting acetyl ferrocene with terephthalaldehyde. Synthesized compounds were characterized by using IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, EI‐MS, and elemental analysis. In vitro antibacterial activity against two Gram‐negative and two Gram‐positive bacteria was determined by the disc diffusion assay. Moreover, minimum inhibition concentrations were also measured with reference to chloramphenicol. Thioamide functionally containing ferrocenyl bis‐pyrazoline derivative 2 shows the best antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, among all tested compounds including the reference drug chloramphenicol. The structure–activity relationship is also developed by using computational calculations with density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP method.     

Application of ferrocenylimidazolium salts as catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Ferrocenylimidazolium salts with methylene and phenyl groups bridging the ferrocenyl and alkylimidazolium moieties were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Crystal structures of two new compounds are also reported. Cyclic voltammetry was used to analyze the influence of the two bridging groups or spacers on electrochemical properties of the salts relative to the shifts in the formal electrode or peak potentials (E⁰ or E_1/2) of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. Results from this study showed that all the salts exhibited higher electrode potentials relative to ferrocene, which is due to the electron‐withdrawing effect of the imidazolium ion on the ferrocenyl moiety. Application of the salts as catalysts in transfer hydrogenation of ketones resulted in high conversion of saturated ketones to corresponding alcohols and turnover numbers as high as 1880. The catalysts were chemoselective towards reduction of the C═C bonds of conjugated 3‐penten‐2‐one and 4‐hexen‐3‐one to yield saturated ketones, while unconjugated 5‐hexen‐2‐one was hydrogenated to an unsaturated alcohol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

β‐cyclodextrin‐based polymeric nano‐receptor: the self‐assembly of cyclodextrin‐appended comb‐copolymer

Well‐defined β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐appended biocompatible comb‐copolymer ethyl cellulose‐graft‐poly (ε‐caprolactone) (EC‐g‐PCL) was synthesized via the combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and click chemistry. The resulting products were characterized by ¹H NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and GPC. The synthesized comb‐copolymer could assemble to micelles, with the surface covered by β‐CD. The inclusion with ferrocene derivation was investigated by cyclic voltammetric (CV) experiments, which indicated the potential application of the micelles as nano‐receptors for molecule recognization and controlled drug release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrically driven self‐healing polymers based on reversible guest–host complexation of β‐cyclodextrin and ferrocene

A multifunctional ferrocene‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA‐Fc) and a difunctional β‐cyclodextrin derivative (bis‐CD) has been prepared for the construction of an electrically driven removable and self‐healing polymeric materials based on the complexation reaction between ferrocene and β‐CD groups. The chemical structures of PGMA‐Fc and bis‐CD have been characterized with Fourier transform infrared, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of electrical voltages and medium conductivity on the decrosslinking efficiency of the crosslinked PGMA‐Fc/CD polymer have been examined. The PGMA‐Fc/CD network has shown removable feature and properties for application as a reworkable crosslinked material. Moreover, the crosslinked PGMA‐Fc/CD sample has shown electrically driven self‐healing behavior. The self‐healing performance could be enhanced with wetting the sample to increase the electrical conductivity. As a result, the material could serve as a self‐healing agent for commercial painting products. Preparation and application of a novel and efficient self‐healing polymer have been demonstrated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 3395–3403     

Ferrocene-linked thymine/uracil conjugates: base pairing directed self-assembly and supramolecular packing

Ferrocene-linked bis(nucleobase) (1a-c) and chimeric nucleobase (1d) conjugates have been synthesized from mono- and bis(hydroxybutyl)ferrocene 6 via Mitsunobu reaction as the key step. X-ray crystallographic studies of ferrocene bis(nucleobase) conjugates reveal two-dimensional supramolecular organizations of backbones through self-assembled Watson-Crick and reverse Watson-Crick type pairs. Ferrocene-bis(thymine) conjugate self-assembles by reverse Watson-Crick pairing, while the corresponding bis(uracil) conjugate self-assembles by alternating WC and reverse WC type pairing. Such continuous assemblies are not seen in monosubstituted ferrocene nucleobase conjugates which form only planar sheets. The results are interesting from the point of understanding and engineering supramolecular assemblies through rational design of base pairing patterns.     

Attachment of Amine‐ and Maleimide‐Containing Ferrocene Derivatives onto Self‐Assembled Alkanethiol and Alkanedithiol Monolayers: Voltammetric Evaluation of Cross‐Linking Efficiencies and Surface Coverage of Electroactive Groups

Ferrocene derivatives containing primary amines and maleimide groups were attached covalently onto N‐hydrosuccinimidyl (NHS)‐terminated alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and SAMs of alkanedithiol. The surface coverage and efficiencies of the two cross‐linking reactions were evaluated with cyclic voltammetry. All the ferrocene derivatives attached onto the alkanethiol or alkanedithiol SAMs exhibit reversible redox waves. The surface coverage of the aminated ferrocene groups was compared to that of N‐hydrosuccinimidyl (NHS)‐terminated alkanethiol SAM. The covalent attachment of β‐ferrocenylethylamine onto a 11,11′‐dithio‐bis(succinimidylundecanoate) SAM yielded an efficiency as high as 63.1%. The cross‐linking efficiency of this reaction was found to increase with the nucleophilicity of the amino groups. SAMs of longer alkyl chains favor the attachment of a greater number of ferrocene derivatives. As for the Michael‐type electrophilic addition between the sulfhydryl groups of the alkanedithiol SAMs and the ferrocenyl maleimide, the cross‐linking efficiencies were found to range from 6.5% to 25.7%, depending on the alkanedithiol chain length. The difference in the efficiencies between the two types of cross‐linking reactions might be partially attributable to the steric hindrance imposed by the SAMs and the relative sizes of the functional groups.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Migration of Ionic Polyferrocenyl Compounds of 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole and Their Effects During Combustion

Eighteen ionic polyferrocenyl compounds with 5‐ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazolate as anion and mono‐ and dinuclear ferrocenyl‐alkylammonium as cations were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Molecular structures of three compounds were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their thermal stability was evaluated by TG and DSC and found that they are of high thermal stability. The cyclic voltammetry analysis suggested that each of the compounds exhibits only an irreversible redox wave of the ferrocene units in the molecule. Both migration and volatility test results showed that, on comparison with those of Catocene, all tested compounds exhibit much more excellent anti‐migration ability and most of the tested compounds have lower volatility. Their effects on the thermal disintegration of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1,2,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were measured by DSC. The results revealed that most of the compounds exhibit significant catalytic effects on the thermal degradation of AP and RDX. Particularly, most of the compounds containing one ferrocene unit in their cations show higher activity than that of Catocene. These compounds can be used as alternatives to Catocene in the composite solid propellants.