Selective Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Fluoride by Ambiphilic Ferrocene Derivatives

Appropriate linking of Lewis acidic and Lewis basic components—in this case boronic acid and tertiary amine functionalities—allows the construction of a robust organometallic receptor capable of selectively binding hydrogen fluoride. This system can differentiate between exposure to HF and to related acids, such as HCl, by providing opposing electrochemical responses (see picture).