A photo Lewis acid generator (PhLAG): controlled photorelease of B(C6F5)3

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Jun 13;134(23):9601-4. doi: 10.1021/ja3042977. Epub 2012 Jun 4.

Abstract

A molecule that releases the strong organometallic Lewis acid B(C(6)F(5))(3) upon irradiation with 254 nm light has been developed. This photo Lewis acid generator (PhLAG) now enables the photocontrolled initiation of several reactions catalyzed by this important Lewis acid. Herein is described the synthesis of the triphenylsulfonium salt of a carbamato borate based on a carbazole function, its establishment as a PhLAG, and the application of the photorelease of B(C(6)F(5))(3) to the fabrication of thin films of a polysiloxane material.