BORON, ALUMINUM, AND GALLIUM TRIS(TRIFLUOROMETHANESULFONATE) (TRIFLATE): EFFECTIVE NEW FRIEDEL-CRAFTS CATALYSTS.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00216a032

Boron, aluminum, and gallium tris(trifluoromethanesulfonate) (triflate) were prepared from the corresponding chlorides (bromides) and triflic acid. The group IIIA triflates were isolated in pure form and fully characterized (elemental analysis, molecular weight, and NMR and IR spectroscopy). Boron tris(triflate) is a monomeric, relatively volatile compound left bracket mp 43-45 degree C, bp 68-73 degree C (0. 5 Torr) right bracket , whereas aluminum and gallium triflate are associated, high-melting associated solids. Boron, aluminum, and gallium tris(triflate) are efficient new Friedel-Crafts catalysts as shown in alkylation, isomerization, and acylation reactions. Alkylation of benzene and toluene with methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and tert-butyl halides (fluoride, chloride, and bromide) were carried out with boron, aluminum, and gallium tris(triflate) as catalyst in CH//2Cl//2 and CH//3NO//2 solvent at room temperature.