Compound 1 can be readily made by multiple alternative approaches, 17 a point apparently overlooked by the authors, or simply purchased from one of several suppliers. It has been thoroughly characterised and indeed has had its single crystal X-ray structure determined twice. Accordingly, the authors should have had no difficulty in substantiating their claims that they had produced it. Unfortunately, direct comparison of the sample they prepared with a genuine sample is hampered by two factors. Firstly, the characterisation data presented for the material is rather scant, consisting of an IR spectrum, a Raman spectrum and an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, none of which are considered useful tools for compositional analysis without reference to data obtained from a genuine sample. Secondly, it is somewhat unclear whether the authors are claiming to have made the aminoferrocene 1 or the aminoferrocenium [1] + . In one personal communication, El-Gendy stated they had produced the ferrocenium ion 1 + , however, in a separate communication he described the colour of the product as being consistent with commercial 1 (brown) rather than the blue or green colour expected for a ferrocenium salt. Indeed, a small-scale oxidation of 1 with concentrated H2SO4 gave a purple solution (Figure ).