An efficient synthesis of di-π-([8]annulene)cerium(IV) (cerocene) is reported by the reaction of K[Ce(C 8 H 8 ) 2 ] with allyl bromide. Cerocenes can also be prepared by oxidation of the corrresponding cerates with silver iodide in THF, but this reaction is more variable. Cerocene reacts only slowly with UCl 4 to give uranocene. K[Ce(C 8 H 8 ) 2 ] and cerocene undergo electron exchange on the NMR time scale. Electrochemical study of cerocene shows redox with the cerate ion, ...
