The [Re(CO) 6 ] + cation is a stable compound, soluble in aqueous media. We show that it can be used as a reagent in the synthesis of tricarbonyl(cyclopentadienyl)rhenium complexes. [Re(CO) 6 ] + reacts with ferrocene derivatives, particularly acetylferrocene, in DMSO, DMF or a water/DMSO (1:1)