Core Insights - The research team has synthesized the first stable ferrocene derivative with 20 electrons, breaking the long-standing "18-electron rule" in organometallic chemistry, which could lead to new possibilities in chemical research and the development of novel catalysts [1][2] Group 1: Breakthrough in Organometallic Chemistry - The "18-electron rule" has been a fundamental principle in the stability of transition metal complexes, indicating that a system is most stable when the sum of the metal center's electron count and the ligand's contribution equals 18 [1] - The newly synthesized ferrocene derivative features a unique bonding between iron and nitrogen atoms, allowing for the presence of two "excess" electrons, which endows the molecule with unconventional redox properties [1] Group 2: Potential Applications - The formation of iron-nitrogen bonds in the new compound provides a richer and more diverse pathway for electron transfer, suggesting potential applications in energy storage and chemical synthesis [2] - Existing ferrocene derivatives are already utilized in various fields, including solar cells, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, and this breakthrough may not only optimize current applications but also lead to entirely new materials and uses [2]