Abstract

The photostability of nine ferrocene derivatives of varying functionality was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Derivatives with carbonyl groups (aldehyde or ketone) directly attached to the cyclopentadiene ring system were found to decompose in aqueous (pH 7.4) solution over a period of 10 min when exposed to light, The kinetics of the photodecomposition process were investigated and the relative values of the rate constants for the photodecomposition tabulated, The implications for biosensor applications are assessed.