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Halogenated triarylboranes: synthesis, properties and applications in catalysis.
Jamie L Carden1, Ayan Dasgupta, Rebecca L Melen
1Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Cymru/Wales, UK. MelenR@Cardiff.ac.uk.
This review explores halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3) beyond the common B(C6F5)3. Understanding how aryl ring modifications tune Lewis acidity reveals enhanced reactivity for catalysis and frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry.
Area of Science:
- Organoboron Chemistry
- Main Group Catalysis
- Lewis Acid Chemistry
Background:
- Halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3) are established compounds, but their potential as strong Lewis acid catalysts is a recent area of focus.
- Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C6F5)3] is a well-known example, yet other halogenated triarylboranes offer diverse Lewis acidity.
- Tuning the electronic and steric properties of aryl rings in BAr3 can significantly impact their catalytic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3) beyond the extensively studied B(C6F5)3.
- To elucidate how modifications to the aryl rings of BAr3 influence their Lewis acidity and reactivity.
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of BAr3 synthesis, Lewis acidity determination, and applications in catalysis and frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3).
- Discussion of synthetic strategies for various BAr3 compounds.
- Analysis of methods for determining Lewis acidity of boranes.
- Exemplification of BAr3 applications in catalysis and FLP chemistry.
Main Results:
- Systematic exploration of diverse halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3) and their tunable Lewis acidity.
- Demonstration that modifications in aryl ring substituents offer a pathway to fine-tune Lewis acidity.
- Compilation of synthetic routes and characterization data for various BAr3 catalysts.
- Showcasing of successful applications in main group catalysis and frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry.
Conclusions:
- Halogenated triarylboranes (BAr3) offer a versatile platform for developing potent Lewis acid catalysts.
- Strategic modification of aryl substituents provides a powerful tool for optimizing BAr3 Lewis acidity and catalytic activity.
- The broader scope of BAr3 compounds expands their utility in catalysis and FLP chemistry beyond B(C6F5)3.
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