One-pot acid-free ferrocenylalkylation of azoles with α-ferrocenyl alcohols: ferrocene-based plant growth regulators and herbicide safeners

α-Ferrocenylalkylation of azoles or S-nucleophiles with FcCH(R)OH (Fc = ferrocenyl) can be accomplished under acid-free conditions as one-pot process via an intermediate formation of the α-ferrocenylalkyl carbonates FcCH(R)OC(O)OEt. The reaction allows the alkylation of acid sensitive substrates like imidazole derivatives or sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate. The reaction with ambident azoles proceeds as the N-alkylation. Some α-ferrocenylalkyl azoles were found to exhibit plant growth stimulating or herbicidal effects on corn seeds or act as the herbicide safeners against sulfonylurea herbicides. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.