The Chemistry of Perfluoroaryl Boranes

The chapter discusses methods for quantifying Lewis acidity; a survey of the chemistry of X2BArF, XB(ArF)2 and B(ArF)3 compounds and their adducts; polyfunctional perfluoroaryl boranes; and applications that do not involve a-olefin polymerization by single-site catalysts via a coordination polymerization mechanism. The chapter highlights the chemistry of perfluoroaryl boranes. The related compound of perfluoroaryl boranes, that is, B(C6F5)3, is an effective co-catalyst for olefin- polymerization processes has led to the proverbial explosion of research activity in its chemistry and that of its derivatives. The unique properties of B(C6F5)3 , that is, thermal and hydrolytic stability coupled with strong Lewis acidity have led to extensive applications in widely varying areas of chemistry. The chapter focuses on applications as Lewis acids, but emerging applications such as anion transport additives in lithium batteries suggest an even broader utility for this remarkable class of compounds. The chapter discusses that as B(C6F5)3 and its derivatives become more broadly available, this should continue to be an active area of research.