[(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) 4B]-[H(OEt2)2]+: A convenient reagent for generation and stabilization of cationic, highly electrophilic organometallic complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00059a071

A convenient synthesis of the easily handled, crystalline oxonium acid [(3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)₄B] ^-[H(OEt₂)₂]⁺ (1) is described. The utility of this reagent for generation and stabilization of highly electrophilic cationic transition-metal complexes through protonation reactions is illustrated by the preparation of stable, ether-free salts of [C₅Me₅(P(OMe)₃)CoCH₂CH ₂(μ-H)]⁺[(3,5-(CF₃)₂C ₆H₃)₄B]^- from C₅Me₅(P(OMe)₃)Co(C₂H₄). The incorporation of the noncoordinating counterion [(3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)₄B] ^- in organometallic salts has several advantages relative to [BF₄]^- and [PF₆]^-, including high stability and solubility in relatively nonpolar organic solvents.