α-Ferrocenylalkylation of azoles or S-nucleophiles with FcCH(R)OH (Fc = ferrocenyl) can be accomplished under acid-free conditions as one-pot process via an intermediate formation of the α-ferrocenylalkyl carbonates FcCH(R) OC(O)OEt. The reaction allows the alkylation of acid sensitive substrates like imidazole derivatives or sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate. The reaction with ambident azoles proceeds as the N-alkylation. Some α-ferrocenylalkyl azoleswere found to exhibit plant growth stimulating or herbicidal effects on corn seeds or act as the herbicide safeners against sulfonylurea herbicides.