Chemistry of the highly stable hindered cobalt sandwich compound (η5-Cp)Co(η4-C4Ph4) and its derivatives

A comprehensive review on the synthesis, reactions and applications centered on the highly stable and sterically hindered cobalt sandwich compound (η5-Cp)Co(η4-C4Ph4) is presented. The derivatization of the cyclopentadienyl and cyclobutadiene rings, reactions, structural properties and applications, particularly in the field of asymmetric catalysis of (η5-Cp)Co(η4-C4Ph4) and its derivatives and analogues are discussed. The chemistry of this cobalt sandwich compound is also compared with analogous derivatives of ferrocene.